WeatherBug explains the origins of Groundhog Day.
Very interesting.
Warning: For those with a strict adherence to the separation of church and groundhog, the following could be disturbing.
Why We Celebrate Groundhog Day
Although most of us are entering the heart of winter, the start of spring could be "just around the corner - that is, according to the legend of Groundhog Day. While there is no meteorological truth to Groundhog Day, there is fun in the legend of it all. Each year on February 2, we wait in great anticipation for Phil to issue his latest Groundhog`s proclamation.
Bill Murray made Punxsutawney Phil a household name in 1993, when he starred in the movie Groundhog Day, but the people of Punxsutawney have been celebrating this day since 1886. The tradition of Groundhog Day began as the Germans who settled Pennsylvania celebrated Candlemas Day.
Candlemas commemorates the presentation of the Christ-child in the temple. Early Christians commemorated this holy day by blessing and lighting candles and interpreted the weather conditions on that day as a sign of some sort. As the Romans conquered Europe and spread Christianity, the German people adopted Candlemas and believed that if the sun shone that morning such that a hedgehog could see its shadow, they would experience a "Second Winter" lasting about six weeks.
As the Germans settled in Pennsylvania, they were amazed by the number of groundhogs that inhabited the area. Because the groundhog closely resembled the hedgehog, they decided that they made for a suitable replacement as the prognosticator on Candlemas.
The first official Groundhog Day was celebrated on February 2, 1886, though it wasn`t until 1887 that the local newspaper, The Punxsutawney Spirit, began its tradition of recording Phil`s outcome each year.
So Groundhog Day is rooted in a Christian celebration.
This quaint February ritual is actually tied to the presentation of Jesus Christ in the temple.
Amazing.
Who knew that Punxsutawney Phil is playing a role in a religious observance?
I guess you learn something new everyday.
"That's what Groundhog Day is all about, Charlie Brown."
5 comments:
Groundhogs make outstanding targets.
Dad29!
Are you threatening groundhogs?
I may have to declare Jihad. :)
Interesting post!
Mary, you might want to consult a calender. February 2nd is exactly 6 weeks before the first day of Spring. Whether or not the Groundhog sees his shadow, we will always have 6 more weeks of Winter.
Still, it's fun to pretend!
Up here, it can feel like winter until May.
I wish it would feel like spring in six weeks!
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