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Groundhog Day, February 2nd is a Sacred Day!
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Groundhog Day, February 2nd is a Sacred Day! Now you say so how did the groundhog come by this honor and not I, the paradox in chaps alone in his praise of stampede? The groundhog is like most other prophets, cuz this lil' furry varmit delivers its prediction and then disappears, but Hell jus' turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you . . . true huh, but then you wonder where does the white go when the snow melts? Soooo let's take a further step in History! The lowly groundhog, often called a woodchuck, is the only mammal to have a day named in his honor, known as Groundhog's Day is February 2nd. Granted, it’s not a federal holiday and nobody gets off work. But still, to have a day named after you is quite a feat, who started making predictions since in 1887 of which has become an American institution to present day tradition. It stems from the ancient belief that hibernating furry creatures were able to predict the arrival of springtime by their emergence. The German immigrants known as Pennsylvania Dutch brought the tradition to America in the 18th century. They had once regarded the badger as the winter-spring barometer. But the job was reassigned to the groundhog after importing their Candlemas traditions to the U.S. Candlemas commemorates the ritual purification of Mary, 40 days after the birth of Jesus. Historically the month of February bears a special significance to the people in the North. This is evident through various traditions and rites prevalent in this part of the world for thousands of years. Predicting the onset of the Spring had been a common practice even in the ancient times as much of the harvest yield was hinged on the change on weather. The ancient civilizations would greet this time of the year by performing rites to the rising power of the springtime sun. And these rites were agricultural in nature and performed mostly by the farmers. The earlier Romans in the pre-Christian era celebrated February 1st as the Feast of Lights. Lighted torches were carried in procession in a springtime rebirth ritual. The tradition witnessed a carryover in the Christian era and was glorified by linking it with Christ. For, what we celebrate as the Groundhog Day these days has since long been celebrated as the Candlemas across Europe. The legend of Groundhog Day is based on an old Scottish couplet: ''If Candlemas Day is bright and clear, there'll be two winters in the year.'' Candlemas is one of the four ''cross-quarters'' of the year, occurring half way between the first day of winter and the first day of spring. Traditionally, it was believed that if Candlemas was sunny, the remaining six weeks of winter would be stormy and cold. But if it rained or snowed on Candlemas, the rest of the winter would be mild. If an animal "sees its shadow," it must be sunny, so more wintry weather is predicted: If Candlemas be fair and bright, Winter has another flight. If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, Winter will not come again. The groundhog and badger were not the only animals that have been used to predict spring. Other Europeans used the bear or hedgehog, but in any case the honor belonged to a creature that hibernated. Its emergence symbolized the imminent arrival of spring. Traditionally, the groundhog is supposed to awaken on February 2, Groundhog Day, and come up out of his burrow. If he sees his shadow, he will return to the burrow for six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t see his shadow, he remains outside and starts his year, because he knows that spring has arrived early. In the U.S., the “official” groundhog is kept in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Every February 2, amid a raucous celebration early in the morning, “Punxsutawney Phil” as the groundhog is called, is pulled from his den by his keepers, who are dressed in tuxedos. Phil then whispers his present weather prediction into the ear of his keeper, who then announces it to the anxiously-awaiting crowd. Of course, this is for show. It’s a fun celebration and a great tradition. But Phil's keepers secretly decide upon the "forecast" in advance of the groundhog's arousal. Besides, spring always arrives on or near March 21, so whether the groundhog decides to return to his den or remain above ground, the sad fact is spring will always have to wait at least six more weeks. Happy Groundhog's Day!!! ~ '' Vaya con Dios!!! '' ~ |
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