You might know it better as Groundhog Day. On Groundhog Day, communities across North America drag a sleepy Groundhog (Marmota monax)
out of hibernation to see if it casts a shadow. If the groundhog sees
its shadow, this means that six more weeks of winter will follow; if it
does not see its shadow, spring will supposedly come early.
I wonder, does it have to be a groundhog or could any hibernating ground squirrel be used to predict spring? Anyone interested in celebrating Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel Day?
I wonder, does it have to be a groundhog or could any hibernating ground squirrel be used to predict spring? Anyone interested in celebrating Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel Day?
No matter what happens to the Groundhog, I predict that Spring will begin in 6 1/2 weeks, on March 20th, just like it says on the calendar.
I've never known northern Michigan to have a spring earlier than that!
ReplyDeleteLast year, we had over 20 inches of snow in Early April.......and I have no doubt it will do it again this year.
But I did laugh at your suggestion of 13 lined Ground Squirrel day. That's sure a mouthful!
:D
Just think of the other regional holiday possibilities... Yellow-bellied Marmot Day! Hoary Marmot Day! Columbian Ground Squirrel Day! Gunnison's Prairie Dog Day!
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