The legend of Groundhog Day stems from this Scottish verse. In the late 1800's a man named Phil, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, began predicting whether or not the winter was going to be long, or if spring would arrive early. This was all calculated on the actions of a groundhog emerging from his burrow on the second day of February, and looking for his shadow. If a shadow is seen, it means another six weeks of winter. If there isn't a shadow, it's agreed that spring will arrive soon. Residents of Punxsutawney, PA contend to the accuracy of these predictions, year after year. I've read that this sighting and "official" prediction was mainly a more secretive affair, until 1966, when the actual, groundhog observation event became a more publicized phenomenon and thus an American institution. In the 1980's, this event gathered a crowd of 1000 - 2000 people. By 1997, 35,000 people were recorded as having witnessed this event. And in 2002, the number rose even higher to 38,000 (and it was a chilly 19 degrees Farenheit!). BRRR! I think thos e temps have returned for 2009!
According to the ledger, the Groundhog sees his shadow about 90% 
of the time.
[Candlemas Day is observed as a church festival, commemorating the presentation of Jesus in the temple.Candles are blessed and carried throughout the celebration.]
Active in Alabama, Mara Hawks, REALTOR with FIRST REALTY of Auburn, AL, #1 Real Estate Team in Lee County, THE LEADER in professional real estate services in Auburn, Opelika & Lee County for over 3 decades! Committed to INTEGRITY, KNOWLEDGE & SERVICE.
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This is great! I knew the story, but to have it explained in such a succinct way is nice. I will share.
Let's hope that the groundhog does not see his shadow. Thanks for sharing the history.
Mara..... he saw his shadow once again....i guess we need to bundle up for another six weeks! Really good post. Hope you have a great day!
I just read the same thing on another persons blog. Does this mean I am going to be freezing for a while longer?
I guess the fancy weatherman can't predict the weather so might as well depend on mother nature.
Hi Mara, Happy Groundhog Day! I guess Phil says 6 more weeks of winter...and we should not be surprised with 90% odds :-)
I saw Phil on The Today Show this morning......poor little guy had a runny nose! As cold as everyone looked at those festivities, I'm sure they would have welcomed an early Spring.
I haven't heard what Birmingham Bill (our B'ham Zoo groundhog) has predicted, but I think it was sunny at 10:00 AM when he was to emerge and make his decision.......
Howdy there Mara
We've got some new snow fall a come our way tonight. Groundhog Day, sure is a mighty fun day of the year. Thats for sure!!!
Hi Mara-Great explanation. I don't know that I knew the whole story. I wish the groundhog wouldn't see his shadow. I am ready for spring. <SMILE>
Mara, This is the first thing I wanted to know this morning....whether Phil saw his shadow. I wasn't happy that he did but I wasn't surprised, either. It's been one long, COLD winter and I expect we have lots more to go :(
Hi - Happy Groundhog Day! Very nice, sunny day today in Phoenix, but we'll have some rain tomorrow.
Mara, Cool little article for Groundhog's Day!
Mara in Austin we now have an armadillo that does the predicting and it looks like it's going to be another 6 weeks of cold ;-0
Thanks, everyone, for stopping by! I always remember Goudhog Day because it's also my sister's birthday. And that's pretty funny, Russell, about the amadillo substiture for a groundhog!
I have to say I am a wee bit miffed at that groundhog this year!!! So much snow!! How are you sweetness? I hope all is well in your neck of the woods. I haven't forgotten to call you! This snow has me behind the eight ball!
I've always wondered if the groundhog has to come out at a specific time, or just any time on February 2.
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