February 2 - Groundhog Day

February 2 - Groundhog Day

I can never keep straight what happens if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow. Early spring, or not? I headed over to the Official Site of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club to do some research. According to the PGC,

"According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring."

Now, here is why I think I get this confused. To me, if the sun is shining (shadow is seen) that would indicate an early spring, not six more weeks of winter weather. But then, I'm no meteorologist.

And those top-hatted guys over in Punxsutawney seem a bit odd. I mean, I can understand milking this thing for all it is worth (who would go to the cold center of Pennsylvania in February otherwise?), but they take this day waaay too seriously. For one thing, check out the Inner Circle members' job descriptions. And the way they explain how Phil has been prognosticating for 120 years can be found here. Wacky stuff.

Oh well, it's all in fun, I guess. Enjoy your Saturday, and let's all hope for an early spring! (Though I don't have much to complain about here in Southern California!)

P. S. This site is a bit less wacky, and has some history about how Candlemas turned into Groundhog Day.

P. P. S. Update! Six more weeks of winter are in store for us! Here is the official proclamation.