February 2nd is Candlemas or Groundhog Day

Hope for a cloudy day so that darned beast doesn’t see his shadow. Last year was bad enough!

If Candlemas day be fair and bright,

Winter will have another flight.

If Candlemas day be clouds and rain,

Winter is gone, and will not come again.

~ E. Holden

Candlemas is the traditional day to take down the Winter decorations. Groundhog Day is a Canadian and American tradition: the groundhog, or woodchuck, comes out of his hole after winter hibernation to look for his shadow. If he sees it: There will be six more weeks of bad weather. If he cannot see his shadow (because of clouds), Spring is coming. He is supposed to go back into hibernation if more winter is ahead and stay above ground if Spring is near. Unfortunately, statistical evidence does not support this tradition.

Did you see the movie “Groundhog Day” with Bill Murray? I really enjoy that one and will be watching it this weekend. The festivities in Punxatawney begin tonight!

Click here to read about the film.

Click here to visit Punxutawney Phil’s official website.

Click here for the Groundhog Cookies recipe.

Click here for souvenirs including the official Groundhog cookie cutter.