Tweet
Yes, our neighbor, the groundhog (aka woodchuck, whistlepig) is historically correct. The first reference here is from the diary of Berks County PA storekeeper James Morris for February 4, 1841:
"Last Tuesday, the 2nd, was Candlemas Day, the day on which, 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."
If any groundhogs are out this early, they are usually males "looking for love." The Candlemas reference is from the English rhyme:
If Candlemas be fair and bright, Winter has another flight.
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, Winter will not come again.
Candlemas is one of the cross-quarter days, this one being halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Church officials blessed and distributed candles in the dead of winter.
Celebrate by piggin out and putting on a few pounds - it's what the groundhog would do!
"Last Tuesday, the 2nd, was Candlemas Day, the day on which, 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."
If any groundhogs are out this early, they are usually males "looking for love." The Candlemas reference is from the English rhyme:
If Candlemas be fair and bright, Winter has another flight.
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, Winter will not come again.
Candlemas is one of the cross-quarter days, this one being halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Church officials blessed and distributed candles in the dead of winter.
Celebrate by piggin out and putting on a few pounds - it's what the groundhog would do!
Comment