Ground Hog Day, Tuesday, February 2, 2016

University of Michigan/Campus Information."Ground Hog Day Blog" by Jarred. 

Another experiment in
exact science, just for you.

"Will we have six more weeks of this miserable winter weather or is spring right around the corner? Groundhog Day will provide us with all the answers we need. When Punxsutawney Phil, the legendary groundhog, emerges from his hole after his long winter’s sleep, the fate of this winter will be determined. It is believed that if Phil sees his shadow, we will have to endure six more weeks of winter and Phil will return to his hole. If he does not see his shadow, Phil takes it as a sign of spring and stays above ground.

Punxsutawney Phil lives in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania in his burrow in Barclay Square. The first Groundhog Day was held here in the 1800’s. This will be Phil’s 129th prediction. The tradition of Groundhog Day comes from similar beliefs associated with Candelmas Day and the days of the early Christians in Europe. In these early Christian Days, the clergy would bless candles and give them to the people. This was also dependent on the weather that day and marked a milestone in the winter.
Phil saw his shadow: that means six more weeks of winter... or does that mean 6 more weeks of potential snow days here at Michigan?!

For more information about Groundhog Day history and for fun facts about Punxsutawney Phil, visit www.groundhog.org." 

Related, update.  NPR Breaking News/Bob Chappell, 2/2/16. "Groundhog Day:  Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow." "... "Interpreting Phil's behavior, the Groundhog Club emcee proclaimed, 'There is no shadow to be cast! An early spring is my forecast!' " Live Science/Tanya Lewis, Staff Writer, 2/2/15, "Groundhog Day: How often does Punxsutawney Phil get it right? " .... "According to data from the Stormfax Almanac, Phil's predictions have been correct only 39 percent of the time in his hometown of Punxsutawney."

Note Photograph/graphic from the University of Michigan blog article (above).

Posted by Kathy Meeh