Ah… We can all breathe a sigh of relief. Spring is predicted to arrive early this year because Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow. For 138 years thousands of people have gathered at Gobbler’s Knob to see a ground hog predict the weather. Today’s news inspired me to “dig” around for a little more information.
Why February 2?
This date is halfway between the Winter Solstice (December 21) and Spring Equinox. (March 21)
How did Ground Hog Day begin?
The custom of using rodents to predict the weather was brought to the U.S. by German immigrants. The first celebration was held on February 2, 1877 at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. That’s when newspaper editor Clymer Freas and his groundhog hunting club designated Punxsutawney Phil as the nation’s official rodent meteorologist.
Today a group called the “Inner Circle” treks to Gobbler’s Knob every year to play a part in the staging of Phil’s announcement. They dress in black suits, top hats, and speak Pennyslvania Dutch dialect.
The high point of the ceremony is when Phil emerges from his burrow and talks to the the “Inner Circle” president in “Groundhogese.” This language is only understood by the president of the club, who translates the message into English.
How accurate is Phil?
According to data supplied by NOAA and the Stormfax Almanac, Phil has been right 39% of the time. However, he did not show up at all in 1943 and no one knows why.
Art Inspired by Nature
February 2 reminds me of the movie “Ground Hog Day. “ (1993) Bill Murray plays the part of Phil Connors, a weather man who is assigned to report on the celebration in Punxsutawney. He hates his job, his colleagues, and the human race. Stuck in a time-warp, Phil is doomed to repeat Ground Hog Day until he learns how to love.
What if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow? Are we condemned to live with perpetual winter for six more weeks? I don’t believe in rodent predictions. It’s hard enough to believe the day to day weather report.
Even so, I do believe attitude is everything. Like a hamster on a wheel, I can be stuck going nowhere. Life has no meaning without love. Ground Hog Day prompts me to appreciate the value of my relationships and enjoy every moment, of every season.
By the way, Valentine’s Day is coming soon.
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