“Punxsutawney Phil”

(Google Image) 

By Diane Forrest,

Every time I hear the words Groundhog Day I immediately think of the movie with Bill Murray.  For those of you who have never seen it, it is a movie about a television reporter who has traveled to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to do a story about the annual Groundhog sighting and celebrations.  He is a real jerk, and thinks this story is beneath him, and then he ends up having to repeat the day, over and over again, until he learns to accept his fate and change his attitude.

(Google Image)

Groundhog Day is celebrated every year on February 2.  Since 1886, thousands have traveled to Punxsutawney to celebrate the predictions of the groundhog.  The tradition started long before that on a celebration called Candlemas in Germany.  According to the Germans, the Groundhog peeps out of his winter quarters and if he sees his shadow he pops back for another six weeks nap, but if the day be cloudy he remains out, as the weather is to be moderate.

(Google Image)

Another theory comes from the following Scottish Poem:

As the light grows longer

The cold grows stronger

If Candlemas be fair and bright

Winter will have another flight

If Candlemas be cloud and rain

Winter will be gone and not come again

A farmer should on Candlemas day

Have half his corn and half his hay

On Candlemas day if thorns hang a drop

You can be sure of a good pea crop

According to record, Phil sees his shadow 9 out 10 times.  This year check to see what his prediction will be.  Even though the winter has been a mild one, I for one am ready for an early spring!