Many of you may know that yesterday, February 2nd was Ground Hog Day! This holiday is celebrated both in Canada and the United States.
What exactly is ‘Groundhog Day’ and how did it come to be? I had the same exact question until some friends clued me in.
Groundhog Day dates back all the way to 1841, as a German tradition which originated down in Pennsylvania in the United States.
Back in Europe they believed the hedgehog could predict the weather and when the early settlers arrived to Pennsylvania, they substituted the hedgehog with groundhogs.
When the groundhog emerges on February 2nd and does not see its shadow then that signified a quick end to winter and an early spring.
On the other hand, if the groundhog saw its shadow there is 6 more weeks of winter.
The largest Groundhog Day celebration is in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, and it is home to one of the most well known groundhogs, Punxsutawney Phil.
Now did the groundhog see its shadow? *drum roll*
Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, but, Alberta’s cute go-to groundhog, Balzac Billy (yes, he is from the same place where CrossIron Mills, aka the gigantic mall, is located) did not see his shadow!
I don’t know about you, but I’m putting my bet with Balzac Billy. After all who would know Alberta’s weather better than a local?
(According to National Climatic Data Center the accuracy of the predictions is 39%. Now let’s hope this accuracy works in Billy’s favor.)
