Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow this morning, meaning an early spring for us!
But did you know that it isn't really Phil that decides whether or not he's going to see his shadow. It's actually a group of suited men in top hats who decide as a panel whether he'll predict spring or snow. Well, that just takes the fun out of the whole process!
Phil's annual debut occurs on Gobbler's Knob (Harry Potter-esque, anyone?) located in Punxsutawney, a small town Northeast of Pittsburgh.
This tradition stems from European weather lore and was brought over to the States by a group of Germans living in Pennsylvania. Their tradition involves a badger or a bear seeing their shadow when they emerge from their burrows. It is closely tied to the Christian holiday of Candlemas (the day Jesus was presented at the Temple) which occurs on February 2nd.
If Phil "sees" his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter and an early spring if he doesn't.
According to Yahoo!, there have been 114 predictions made (on record) since 1887. 98 of those times, Phil saw his shadow. He's only seen bare ground 16 times. Apparently this year was his 125th prediction, but records were only kept since that year. Snooze, you lose.
For those out there who have not seen Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray, watch it. Immediately. Own it, in fact. It's funny and clever and typical Bill Murray. The poor man must relive Groundhog's Day until he "gets it right". It's funny to watch him try and fail and ultimately succeed. Just watch how he attempts to end the cycle over and over...it's truly hilarious.
Qeued! I know, crazy. I haven't watched it.
ReplyDeletePS: I wish I had read your entry earlier in the day. I could have shared all this with the kids! Oh well. There's always tomorrow!