Groundhogs don't very often climb trees but this one was spotted as it emerged from hibernation last spring in Bouctouche, just as the buds were sprouting green foliage. However, chances are it was in a deep sleep on Groundhog Day
Groundhog day has strong roots
Nelson Poirier
Naturescope Published Saturday February 2nd, 2008
Yes, today (Feb. 2) is Groundhog Day and it is indeed a special day. In fact, it has been an especially noted date for many centuries and started long before Europeans arrived to colonize North America. Granted, it's not a federal holiday, but to have a day named after you is quite a feat.
Weather surely dominates our lives as Canadians. Very often our first greeting is to communicate weather. It's the weather that will dictate our style preferences, our social behaviours, recreational activities, vacation plans and lots more.
As well, a lot of our newscasts have to do a lot with the weather -- they are often climate change, hurricanes, heat waves, cold waves, etc. Meteorologists, climatologists, and weather forecasters are the new media personalities.
Groundhog Day, although steeped in tradition, is really all about the weather. Feb. 4 is recognized as winter's midpoint. So could it be just appropriate that Groundhog Day should happen a mere two days before that. Let's take a closer look today at this only day of the year that has been named after a mammal quite common to us here in New Brunswick but not commonly seen on Groundhog Day.
On Groundhog Day, the Groundhogs (Woodchucks) we watched scampering about all summer are in very deep hibernation. They went underground into their comfortable burrows having put on a nice layer of fat as fuel to last them through the winter. They do not store any food for winter usage and in fact had no plan whatsoever of coming-out to check the weather on Feb. 2.
I'm terribly aware of the dangers of tampering with folklore, but the snoozing groundhogs have put me up to advising New Brunswickers about the straight goods -- don't look for them this weekend!
They also point out that if we we're wondering if there will be six more weeks of winter, don't look to them to settle it. Instead, look at the calendar and we'll find that in six weeks from Feb. 4, it will be March 20, the first official day of spring. So chances are whether we consult a Groundhog are not, you're safe to assume there will be six more weeks of winter still to persist in New Brunswick.
Enough of the fact element, let's find out why a Groundhog has been assigned all this weather forecasting knowledge it has been granted.
It all started back in Scotland with the religious tradition called Candlemas. Traditionally, it was the belief that if Candlemas Day was sunny, the remaining six weeks of winter would be stormy and cold. However, if it rained or snowed on Candlemas, the rest of the winter would be mild. Soon the notion, if an animal "sees his shadow", it must be sunny so more wintry weather could be predicted. At first, some cultures used the badger, bear, or hedgehog but soon the Groundhog became firmly established as the traditional weather indicator.
German immigrants brought the tradition to America in the 18th century. The Feb. 2 consultation with a Groundhog was held in secret until 1966 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and only Phil's prediction was revealed to the public. Phil the Groundhog would be consulted from his "electrically heated" burrow to emerge with the weather forecast in "Groundhogese". However, since then the event has become very public and became an American institution. Tuxedos and top hats are dawned to make the consultation with Phil filled with pomp and swelling anticipation.
Canada was not left out as the Wiarton Willie Festival is happening today in Wiarton, Ontario to celebrate 52 years of prognosticating fun despite the threat of global climate change and a wacky weather winter. The mayor of Wiarton will listen for the whisper of Willie and share what he says with the rest of Canada, all in a circle of white tuxedos, top hats, a parade, VIPs, posing for paparazzi, and other anticipatory tidbits.
Wally and Phil may be the most famous of the Groundhog clan forecasters however others are waiting in the wings. Notables include Shubinacadie Sam, Dunkirk Dave, Balzac Billy, Sir Walter Wally, Brandon Bob, Pardon Me Pete, and yet a host of others. Willie and Phil, you better get things right for there are many suitors waiting to fill the void.
So folks, winter is officially very nearly at the halfway point. No doubt snowmobilers are hoping the Groundhog does see his shadow and golfers are hoping he doesn't. But... the real word from Groundhog headquarters is there will be six more weeks of winter. Enjoy it, but be ready for that wonderful burst of renewal that will "spring" from the starting gate on March 20.