GROUNDHOG DAY

Written by Lin DonnIllustrated by Phillip Martin

Modern Holidays – February 2 

Groundhog Day is always celebrated on February 2. This is the day people keep an eye out for groundhogs.

Why?

Ancient Roots – Weather Lore

According to ancient legend, if a groundhog comes out of its burrow and does not see his shadow, because the day is cloudy, winter will soon end.

BUT, if a groundhog does see his shadow, because the weather is bright and clear, the sight of his own shadow will scare him into ducking back into his burrow. That means winter will continue for 6 more weeks.

Ancient Roots – Weather Lore

There are many old superstitions that have to do with predicting the weather.

Farmers wanted to plant seed safely without fear of frost.

Fishermen wanted to avoid dangerous storms at sea.

But there were no weathermen back then to help them. Forecasting was done using superstitions.

Ancient Roots – Weather Lore

Perhaps you’ve heard some of these old sayings:

When the wind blows from the west,That’s when fishing is the best

Red sky at night, sailor's delight,Red sky at morning, sailors take warning

If Candlemas be bright and clear, there'll be two winters in the year.

Ancient Roots – Weather Lore

Some also believed that animals had magical powers. The ancient Egyptians believed that cats could protect their homes.

Many early people believed these ancient sayings.

The ancient Celts believed that groundhogs could predict the weather.

Modern Holidays – February 2

 

That’s why, on the magical day of February 2nd each year, people say that if a groundhog sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow, spring is right around the corner.

In modern times, people used these old superstitions to build a new holiday called Groundhog Day.

The truth is – groundhogs cannot predict the weather. But it’s a very fun holiday.

Discover the Real Reasons for Seasons ….

Try your hand at ….

Explore Groundhog’s Day

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