To Shadow.......or not To Shadow??????
This is the question on everyone's mind...and the answer is coming. Yes, Groundhog Day is once again upon us and every year we, North Americans, wait for that little rodent to stick his head out of his hole, and predict whether we are done with winter or if it is sticking around.
Who thought of this and why did it come to be, that our dependence on the weather forecast relies solely on a furry little creature who hasn't seen the light of day in months?
As the story goes, back in the 18th century, German Settlers who populated much of Pennsylvania would hold a festival every February 2nd and the festival featured a groundhog who would foretell how much longer winter would last. Thus, Groundhog Day emerged. This would also let farmers know that it would soon be time to start planting their crops and planning their fields.
Puxsutawney Phil (since 1887) and Wiarton Willie (since 1956) are 2 of the more popular groundhogs that forecast the end of winter for many Americans and Canadians every year.
Will you be one of the thousands of people waiting to see whether Wiarton Willie sees his shadow on February 2? If he sees his shadow, we will be in for 6 more weeks of this wonderful white stuff, however, if he does not see his shadow, it's time to pull those spring clothes out from storage and fill up the chest of drawers cause winter will soon be coming to a close.