What a gloriously silly event Groundhog Day is, when a nation turns its eye upon the predictive power of a large rodent seeing, or not seeing, his shadow. It is completely ridiculous and long may we be a country that has time for the innocently ridiculous every now and then!
The earliest recorded reference to Groundhog Day was in the February 4, 1841 entry in his diary by James Morris of Morgantown, Philadelphia.
Last Tuesday, the 2nd, was Candlemas day, the day on which, according to the Germans, the Groundhog peeps out of his winter quarters and if he sees his shadow he pops back for another six weeks nap, but if the day be cloudy he remains out, as the weather is to be moderate.
Large scale celebrations of the day in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania go back to 1886. Long may they continue! (more…)
Donald R. McClarey
Paul Zummo
Almost Chosen People 