Ground Hogs Day

Once a year a little brown rodent comes out of its burrow and decides if spring is early, or winter will last another six weeks. Ground Hogs Day originated from Europe and was first called Candlemas Day. Candlemas Day is a Christian holiday that originated in Europe. It celebrates the Presentation of the Lord and always occurs on February 2nd since it’s 40 days after Christmas (Jesus’s birth). It is firmly believed that this is when Jesus’s parents took him to the temple for the rites of purification and dedication. Also known as the Festival of Light, it too celebrates the midpoint of winter. Ground Hogs Day was brought to America by German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania. Instead of badgers (as found in Germany) ground hogs became the next forecaster because of their major population in the state. This year's ground hog, “Punxsutawney Phil” came out from his little home and in fact did not see his shadow! Spring will be early this year.