Before getting to the “take break” item of the day, I couldn’t help but notice the big weather story of the week. Yesterday was Groundhog’s Day and yes, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and so there will be six more weeks of winter. Living in northern New England, I’d be happy if it were just six more weeks.
So where did this custom come from? It turns out that a number of Germans settled in Pennsylvania, the home of Phil, and noticed how similar the groundhogs (woodchucks) were to the European hedgehog. In Europe, when clear skies occurred on Candlemas Day (Feb. 2), an extended winter was forecast-“For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day, so far will the snow swirl in May.” The German’s noted that if the sun shown on Candlemas, a hedgehog would cast its shadow, thus predicting six more weeks of winter.
In view of Phil’s latest prediction, take a break this week and watch Bill Murray in “Groundhog Day.”
In tribute to my mother’s love of the February holidays, Gong Hei Fard Choy or Happy New Year. 2010 is the Year of the Tiger and February 14 is the first day of the year 4707.
New Year’s is a time for families to gather, celebrating a fest on New Year’s Eve. The Lantern Festival is held on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. Glowing lanterns are hung in temples and are carried to an evening parade under the light of the full moon.
In keeping with the Lantern Festival, make your own Chinese lantern. Directions can be found at the following websites:
Chinese Lantern from Enchanted Learning
Easy and Intermediate Chinese Paper Lanterns
If you were born in the Year of the Tiger (2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, 1938, 1926 or 1914) learn more about your sign at http://www.yearofthetiger.net/
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