Fraccers

Fracas reminds you that tomorrow, February 2, is Groundhog Day.

According to Wikipedia:

Groundhog Day is a holiday celebrated in United States and Canada on February 2.

In weather lore, if a groundhog, also known as a woodchuck, or marmot emerges from its burrow on this day and fails to see its shadow because the weather is cloudy, winter will soon end. If on the other hand, it is sunny and the groundhog sees its shadow, the groundhog will supposedly retreat into its burrow, and winter will continue for 6 more weeks.

The largest Groundhog Day celebration is held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania; crowds of around 20,000 to 40,000 have gathered to celebrate the holiday.

Candlemas is usually the same day, and has similar beliefs about the coming weather.

Since the release in 1993 of the film of the same name, Groundhog Day, the phrase is sometimes used in English to mean “the same thing over and over again” particularly in reference to unpleasant repeating cycles.

Now, I could focus on the actual Groundhogs, of which there are many… but why?

Despite Groundhog Day proponents claiming the dopey little critters have an accuracy rating of 75 to 90%, a Canadian study for 13 cities in the past 30 to 40 years puts success rate levels at 37%, corroborated by the National Climatic Data Center, their having reported the Groundhogs’ overall predictions accuracy rate is only about 39%.

Here’s a newsflash…

That means the little buggers are wrong more than they’re right.

Should we be surprised?

I think not.

So, let’s just be honest and recognize that the whole holiday and hoopla over the furry forecast is more about the party and the camaraderie than it is the weather.

It took him awhile, but Bill Murray finally got it.

Which brings me back to the reason for this post.

Instead of focusing on the prognostications of Pensylvania’s prime pet, I’d like to take a cue from the movie, and ask fraccers this question.

If you could choose one experience you’ve had in life, to be able to do over…
which would it be, and why?

More Groundhog Day Links:

• Stormfax Weather Almanac – Groundhog Day
• Wikipedia – Groundhog Day
• About.com – famous groundhogs around the world
• IMDb page for the movie, Groundhog Day
• Canada’s Wiarton Willie Webpage
• Wiarton Willie - Live Webcam
• Punxsutawney Groundhog Club – Official Home of Punxsutawney Phil
• Groundhog Quiz for Kids
• Index of printable Groundhog Day activities
• Groundhog Day Clipart, Activities and Lesson Plans (for teachers)

A very Happy Groundhog Day to all!