Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Groundhog Day

North American folklore has it's quirks. Groundhog Day is one of them. 
Punxsutawney Phil


According to legend, on February 2nd, when a groundhog emerges from its burrow, one of two things happen: he'll emerge to investigate his surroundings, or he'll retreat and hide. The outcome will determine whether or not winter will soon end.

If it's overcast when the little critter peeks out , he'll be prompted to leave his winter home and scourge for food. A sign that Spring is near. However, if it's sunny, the poor, hungry groundhog will be frighten back into his burrow by his shadow. An omen that there will be at least six more weeks of winter.

Seems pretty straight-forward, as far as superstitious prognasticating goes. But, it seems a bit backward to me.

Wouldn't cloudy weather signal more snow and a bright cheery sun suggest that Spring is coming?


Ahhh, what do I know about forecasting winter? I'm a Floridian. I haven't had to live through months of snow and sleet and ice. For those of you who do, I hope that Punxsutawney Phil doesn't see his shadow today.

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