February 2...Groundhog Day...When the world-famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, comes out of his home on Gobbler’s Knob, and a crowd watches anxiously to see if this furry Pennsylvania weather prognosticator will see his shadow. According to Groundhog Day legend, if Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. No shadow forecasts an early spring.
Groundhog Day is an astronomical celebration as the Earth orbits around the sun. It takes place between the December solstice (first day of winter) and the March equinox (first day of Spring).
February 2 is also Candlemas Day, where Christian churches bless the candles for use in the church throughout the coming year. It is the feast of the presentation of Christ in the Temple when Simeon hailed him as “A light to lighten the Gentiles.”
Immigrants from Great Britain and Germany brought the Groundhog Day celebration to the United States. This tradition can be traced to early Christians when a hedgehog supposedly looked for his shadow on Candlemas Day.
If Candlemas Day be fair and bright
Winter will take another flight,
If Candlemas Day be cloud and rain
Winter is gone and will not come again.
One more superstitious tidbit to go along with this holiday...Having your Christmas decorations up after Groundhog Day is supposed to be bad luck.
Winter is half over; thoughts turn to Spring.
Happy Groundhog Day!
PS...Phil did not see his shadow. Ah, Spring...one can only hope!
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