Groundhog Says Yay to Spring. Yay!

The most intelligent groundhog decided today that these long, cold winter days are soon to be over. Groundhog Day is an American/Canadian tradition celebrated every February 2nd. Bystanders watch attentively to see if the groundhog sees its shadow when it leaves its burrow. If he sees his shadow the winter weather will continue for another 6 weeks. No shadow means no more winter weather.

Punxsutawney Phil held by Bill Deely in Gobber's Knob, Pennsylvania.

Doing a little bit of research, I decided that Groundhog Day has to be one of the quirkiest celebrations known to man. That's why I like it. It's the only holiday I can think of that is determined by watching an animal. The earliest reference to Groundhog Day dates all the way back to 1841. Also, the Pennsylvannia German dialect is the only language spoken at the event (which takes place in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania). Those who speak English pay a penalty, usually in the form of a nickel, dime, or quarter, per word spoken.  According to groundhog.org, Punxsutawney Phil is currently the only true weather forecasting groundhog.

I'm not sure why but whenever February 2nd comes around I always remember that it's Groundhog Day, and it makes me slightly happier thinking about the fact that thousands of people are gathered around watching a groundhog.