The big day is coming soon! Yep, can you believe it’s already Groundhog Day (Feb 2)? If you’re not familiar with what happens, here’s the deal: The official groundhog (also known as a woodchuck, marmot or ground squirrel) “Punxsutawney Phil” comes out of his burrow (glorified cage) the morning of Feb.2. He’ll either see his shadow and run back in, or not see his shadow and run back in. NO SHADOW: Look for an early spring SHADOW: 6 more weeks of winter.
Obviously, it’s more tradition than science. I mean, who would think a groundhog can predict the fate of winter better than a meteorologist? Let me re-phrase that question…. The tradition dates back the the 1800s and may derive from this 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 snow
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
Read the original article at: Skytracaker News
