|waitin' on the groundhog by ana traina ~2011~| It’s thought the
Groundhog Day legend probably originated with German settlers
who came to the Pennsylvania area in the 17th and 18th
centuries. One of the European folk tales these settlers likely
brought with them was the belief that mammals like hedgehogs and
badgers were weather prophets. Another belief brought from
Europe was that if the sun shone on Candlemas Day—which was Feb.
2—it meant six more weeks of wintry weather. It seems these two
bits of folklore became entwined over the years and by the late
1800s, Groundhog Day had become an annual event in the United
States. Last bit of odd and end ~ In Scotland the tradition may
also derive from this English poem: As the light grows longer
The cold grows stronger If Candlemas be fair and bright Winter
will have another flight If Candlemas be cloud and rain Winter
will be gone and not come again A farmer should on Candlemas day
Have half his corn and half his hay On Candlemas day if thorns
hang a drop You can