As I am sure you all know today is Groundhog's Day, the day when we find out how much longer winter is going to be. I decided to do a little research into the history of this unique weather prediction holiday. From the Official Punxsutawney Groundhog Website (Adapted from "Groundhog Day: 1886 to 1992" by Bill Anderson)
Groundhog Day, February 2nd, is a popular tradition in the United States. It is also a legend that traverses centuries, its origins clouded in the mists of time with ethnic cultures and animals awakening on specific dates. Myths such as this tie our present to the distant past when nature did, indeed, influence our lives. It is the day that the Groundhog comes out of his hole after a long winter sleep to look for his shadow.
If he sees it, he regards it as an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his hole.
If the day is cloudy and, hence, shadowless, he takes it as a sign of spring and stays above ground.
The groundhog tradition stems from similar beliefs associated with Candlemas Day and the days of early Christians in Europe, and for centuries the custom was to have the clergy bless candles and distribute them to the people. Even then, it marked a milestone in the winter and the weather that day was important.
According to an old English song:
If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Come, Winter, have another flight;
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Go Winter, and come not again.Early observances of Phil's predictions were conducted privately in the wooded areas that neighbor the town. Today's celebration sees tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world as revelers await Phil's appearance as most fans wait to see their favorite rock stars.
Over the course of Phil's appearances, Phil has had numerous noteworthy highlights:
During Prohibition Phil threatened to impose 60 weeks of winter on the community if he wasn't allowed a drink.
And Phil's prediction this year? Six more weeks of winter, I hope that Mother Nature is kind during those weeks.
Enjoy ~SJ
Sorry, another teaching post.
On my drive home for school (early) I was enjoying watching some of the last leaves fall off the trees until I noticed snow! Yes folks, you read it right, snow! I think that Mother Nature was just trying to remind us of her powerful control she holds over us as well as the fact that real snow is just around the corner. I guess it is time to dig out the hat and mittens, clean up the yard for the winter, and find the sweaters.
The tomato plants took a big hit in the rain storm last night. Two of the smaller ones broke off at the base due to the heavy rain. We have yet to water them, since we have gotten rain for the past twenty plus days. Oh Mother Nature how you always keep me on my toes!
After a successful day at school the Music Man and I were blessed with two encounters with Mother Nature.
So tomorrow marks the first day of open water fishing - translation ice fishing is over and regular fishing can start. Now I'm not an avid fisher-woman, but I can be convinced to go dangle a hook in the water every now and then. Worthley is still frozen solid and all of the ice fishing condos are off the ice, and my question is, when are we every going to be able to go fishing? My money is on Labor day weekend if Mother Nature has anything to do with it. Until then, the bass and trout will get a little piece and quiet.
The "view" from my road
