A version of this post was originally published on an older blog in 2010.
There is a good chance Groundhog Day came out of Ireland. Here’s why:
In ancient times there were no weathermen. The ancient people had to predict the weather themselves so they turned to nature to help them, specifically the hedgehog. On St. Brigid’s Day (Feb. 1), or Candlemas, they would spot those little fellows and determine that if they saw their shadows, more bad weather was in store, but if not, then spring was surely on its way. I doubt that these predictions helped them anymore than they help us today. It doesn’t seem to matter, here where I live, whether the groundhog (substituted for the European hedgehog) sees his shadow or not. Many times March is as wintery as January.
But in Ireland St. Brigid’s Day is the recognized start of spring. The first flower, snowdrops, are often seen by then. (Mentioned briefly in my novel Finding Juniper.) The lambing season has begun and it’s the traditional start of fishing season. Spring is most definitely on the way!
If you haven’t heard, in 2025, the groundhog (at least the one in PA) saw his shadow so we’re in for six more weeks of winter.
Maybe the real sign that spring is on its way is the appearance of these animals in the first place. When hibernating animals start waking up, the days are longer and winter is wanning. Shadow, smadow! Doesn’t matter.
But it’s still fun, right? I mean, is there any movie more fun than Groundhog Day?
Great blog! Interesting, humorous and fun