February 2nd is Groundhog Day - the day when Punxsutawney Phil will determine if Spring is on it’s way or if we’ll have another six weeks of winter. This is one of those crazy traditions that got me to wondering how in the world we let a large rodent-looking animal determine our fate.
Well it seems the Germans brought this tradition with them from “the old country” where it was actually a Hedgehog who did the deed. Finding no Hedgehogs in the good old US of A, they turned to his cousin the Groundhog. Legend says that if “Phil” sees his shadow then we are in for the second winter but, if there’s no shadow, then Spring is just around the corner.
Personally this makes no sense to me. You see, in order for the groundhog to see his shadow, the sun must be out. So it would seem like the sun would predict the upcoming weather to be better moreso than a cloudy day. But again, this is old German folklore AND a Groundhog for a weatherma
n.
Regardless of what happens on Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney Pennsylvania at 7:20 am tomorrow morning, I for one have been enjoying our unusually warm winter and hope that it continues right into Spring. Whenever that may be!
Cyndi
Bill and Cyndi Daves, Associate Brokers/AREO
Coldwell Banker High Country Realty
4290 US Highway 64 West - Murphy NC 28906
Email: bill@teamdaves.com -or- cyndi@teamdaves.com
Bill Cell 828-361-9419 Cyndi Cell 828-361-9783
Fax 828-394-2384
Bill & Cyndi, I was just thinking that no matter where these traditions come from they do add interest to our lives.
As someone raised in Pennsylvania, I LOVE Groundhog Day! It's so much fun waking up on the appointed day and discovering how soon spring will arrive. The tuxedo is a nice touch as well. Can't wait. I just hope when I wake up the next day, it really will be the next day!
Gary - Yes, they definitelyy add interest to our lives!! It's funny when you start to break some things down and analyze them that you realize we believe some wacky stuff! Best to not analyze and just 'go with it'!
Happy Groundhog Day!
Cyndi
Margo - I agree, as long as real life doesn't start to imitate the movie we'll be ok!!
Cyndi
Cyndi this is a much more upbeat post than the one by the AR member who posed his dog next to a dead groundhog. Germans, huh? The warmer weather has been a treat after last year's winter blitz. All we need now is the greenery and flowers. Have a great day.
Mona - Oh my! Glad I missed that one. Can't believe we're going to have six more weeks of winter. But,if it's like the winter we've had so far then NO PROBLEM!
Cyndi