Or an early spring?
Groundhog Chuck predicts the latter, and I have to concur. Its been feeling warm this weekend and I looked at the 10 day forecast and no day's temperature so far is under 42 degrees.
Pennsylvania Phil, however, saw his shadow which means six more weeks of winter.
This split decision had me wondering a few things:
1. Why groundhogs?
Ans: The belief is that if a hibernating animal cast a shadow on Feb. 2 — the Christian holiday of Candlemas — winter would last another six weeks. If no shadow was seen, legend said spring would come early
2. Are the PA and Shaolin groundhogs the only definitive source of this prophetic ability?
Ans: I'm guessing not, and after googling it, an article revealed there is a Georgia Groundhog "General Beauregard Lee" who's been in "service" for about 14 years. He agrees with Chuck and calls an early spring! Interesting tidbit on the General:
"The general, a 14-year-old groundhog, boasts an accuracy rating of about 98 percent and has earned honorary doctorates from Georgia universities, say the folks at Yellow River Game Ranch." Well whaddya know, he's a regular, old academic!
3. How the hell do people know what the groundhogs SEE? How can humans tell whether this rodent sees his shadow or not?
I don't know the answer to the last because I couldn't find a plausible explanation. For now I'll put my faith in Chuck but won't be disappointed if winter (a mild one) stays on a little longer.
No comments:
Post a Comment