Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Groundhog Day!

What a nutty holiday... since I had nothing better to do this morning, I decided to research exactly when and how this "holiday" began. Upon searching the web, I discovered that the legend of Groundhog Day is based on an old Scottish couplet: "If Candlemas Day is bright and clear, there'll be two winters in the year."

Well, okay, so that explains the date (Feb 2), although I have no idea how the Groundhog became part of the celebration. (For some reason, I can't help but think that a very large amount of alchol was involved)

Apparently, Punxsutawney Phil started making predictions in 1887 and has since become an American institution. Every February 2, people gather at Gobbler's Knob, a wooded knoll just outside of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania (although I have no idea why they gather there)

The ceremony in Punxsutawney was held in secret until 1966.(and by secret, they mean no one wanted to actually admit they had been standing around waiting for a groundhog to come out of his burrow that morning)

For some reason, Phil's fearless forecast became a national media event after 1966. Today, the groundhog comes out of his electrically heated burrow, looks for his shadow and utters his prediction to a Groundhog Club representative in "groundhogese." (I knew it, I knew alcohol had to be involved...) The representative then translates the prediction for the general public.

If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, it means six more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow, it means spring is just around the corner. Approximately 90% of the time, Phil sees his shadow and residents contend that the groundhog has never been wrong.

For, what I am sure is a painstakingly accurate depiction of the event, I highly recommend the 1993 cinema classic "Groundhog Day" starring Bill Murray. (Just remember, "Don't drive Angry.")

Well there you have it folks. The G True Hollywood story...

Hark! The Herald Groundhog Speaks
Tune = Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
© 1999 by Don Halley

Hark! the herald groundhog speaks
Spring will come in six more weeks
He's unearthed for us today
Gathered round to hear him say
Just this morning he did rise
Wiped the sleep out of his eyes
Then he looked for his shadow
Found it at his feet below
Hark! the herald groundhog speaks
Spring will come in six more weeks

For other Groundhog Day related songs check out this page.
http://ourworld.cs.com/DonaldRHalley/ghdsongs.htm

Some people just have too much time on their hands.