The weather report is calling for two more feet of snow here in Massachusetts. Good thing winter is almost over.
I can say that with complete confidence because tomorrow is Groundhog Day and, let's be honest, do we really think the groundhog is going to see his shadow in the middle of a blizzard? We'll be lucky if he can dig himself out of his hole in the first place!
Groundhog Day is an interesting holiday. I mean, how many holidays do we have that are based on the whims of a rodent? Although, I think I trust him more than the weather man on television.
For those of you who may be lost, Groundhog Day has its foundation in Germanic folklore and is traditionally observed on February 2. According to the legend, if the groundhog emerges and sees it's shadow, it will retreat to the safety of its burrow resulting in six more weeks of winter. If it does not see its shadow, warmer weather is on its way.
This always seemed a bit backwards to me. After all, if it's sunny enough for the groundhog to see his shadow, shouldn't that mean that warmer weather was coming?
So, I did a little research...
It seems Groundhog Day has some similarities with the Gaelic festival of Imbolc, also observed on February 2, which celebrates the lengthening days and coming of Spring. According to myth, the winter goddess, Cailleach, gathers her firewood on this day. If her intention is to make winter last for a while, she makes it nice and sunny so she can gather enough firewood to last. If the sun does not come out on Imbolc, Cailleach is asleep and winter will soon end.
Mostly the history of this holiday has been lost on Americans. Thanks to Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell, it found renewed interest in 1993 following the release of the Columbia Pictures production also called Groundhog Day. The two actors co-starred with Punxsutawney Phil, the beloved groundhog from Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania who has been predicting the coming of Spring since 1887. (...that's one OLD groundhog!)
Whether you knew about this strange reliance on rodent meteorology or are new to the concept, I think you will agree... there's no way Phil will see his shadow tomorrow morning. So, I say...
Hooray for Spring!
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