February 2.
The infamous Groundhog Day.
Celebrated across North America,
the first official reference to Groundhog Day in the US was back in 1841, in Pennsylvania. Some say it was connected to another holiday
on the 2nd of February - Candlemas – which is a Catholic holiday
that is 40 days after Christmas.
Candlemas is also known as Crepes Day or Pancake Day. According to German belief, on
Candlemas, if a groundhog emerges from
his den and sees his shadow, he runs back into his den for another 6 weeks of
winter napping. If he doesn’t see his
shadow, there will be an early spring.
There are a bunch of these weather prognosticating rodents all over
North America – and we even have our very own guy here in Nova Scotia -
Shubenacadie Sam. Last year, the furry
fella said – surprise, surprise – we would have 6 more weeks of wintery
weather. And if you recall my stories
about our luge run driveway last year, he was correct. Now since I am writing this EARLY in the
morning – and it’s still dark outside, Sam has not come out yet to check out
the skies. I hope it is
cloudy – so the turf dwelling oversized chipmunk stays outside and doesn’t
return to his den. I’m a bit worried
because the meteorologists are predicting a mainly sunny day today. But then, we KNOW how often THOSE guys are
right.
You know, PONs are just as good as the
chubby rodent at predicting the weather.
If you open the front door, and we won’t go out, it’s raining. And we do that with 100% accuracy. They should name a day after us.
I’ll let you know tomorrow what the
forecast will be. Paws crossed for an
early spring….
Oh – and scent class was cancelled last
night – so no report this week about my outstanding skills. Next week.
© Linda
Wozniak
Viktor, I would like the groundhog to predict a longer winter. Here in Ottawa we have not had much snow and I really miss it. Winter is the BEST time of year!! I love to bury my face in the snow and to eat it until my belly is full! Sticks taste great at this time of year too. I hope you are having lots of fun in all of your snow! My Mom loves to look at your Mom's photos. Love, Jack!
ReplyDeleteOh Jack. You should just come to Nova Scotia. We've had JUST enough snow this year. But if the warm temperatures that we have had the past few days keep up, our yard will no longer be a winter wonderland - more like a muddy mess! Glad you enjoy our antics - and our human's crazy pup-arazzzi photos! Have a great day! Viktor. The PON.
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