Page 16 - January 31, 2018

LAST WORD

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Will he see his shadow?

Groundhog Day is Friday, Feb. 2. AccuWeather forecasts a cloudy day with Some argue that the origins of Groundhog’s Day lie in ancient European
possible rain or a snow shower with a high of 45 and a low of 18. This forecast weather lore, of animals such as badgers or bears predicting weather patterns.
could suggest that warmer weather may be on its way, according to the groundhogs Still others argue the origin of Groundhog’s Day is traceable back to the
in our area. celebration of Candlemas Day, also observed on Feb. 2. On Candlemas Day,
How did Christians celebrate the day that the baby Jesus was presented to God.
Groundhog Day Sara Coughlin of Refinery29 writes, “Groundhog Day occurs on a ‘cross-
come about, quarter day,’ or a day that falls exactly between a solstice and an equinox. There are
anyway? four cross-quarter days in the year, plus the four ‘quarter’ days (the spring equinox,
The summer solstice, fall equinox, and winter solstice).
first known “Throughout history, cross-quarter days have been celebrated as signs of the
observance of changing seasons. For example, the Pagan holiday Imbolc dates back to Celtic
the tradition customs, falls on the same cross-quarter day as Groundhog Day, and celebrates the
in the United arrival of spring. Cross-quarter days are viewed as reminders to embrace inevitable
States occurred change and to prepare for the rest of the year.
in Pennsylvania “Using a groundhog to predict the seasons isn’t all that random, either. As
in 1887. those Candlemas-celebrating Pennsylvanians knew, these adorable rodents come
Punxsutawney out of hibernation at the very first signs of spring. So, we can trust them to stick to
Phil is the the astronomical schedule.
famous “It’d be pretty cool if groundhogs had special weather sensors in their brains,
groundhog in but the whole shadow thing is pure superstition. It was simply believed that sunny
Punxsutawney, days signaled a long, cold winter, while cloudy days suggested that warmer
Pa., receiving the most national attention on Groundhog Day. Each year on the weather was on its way.
day, the town hosts a celebration, during which Phil peeks out of his temporary “So, while you’re cursing (or celebrating) Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction
home on nearby Gobbler’s Knob to give his forecast. The verdicts of less famous tomorrow, remember that he’s actually honoring a very old tradition, ingrained in
groundhogs are recorded on this day as well. Regardless of the groundhogs’ human faith. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t be mad if he calls for six more
predictions, spring does not officially arrive until March. weeks of winter.”

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16 JANUARY 31, 2018