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Fable has it that on February 2, the groundhog will emerge from his hole and look for his shadow. If he sees it, there will be six more weeks of winter. If he doesn't, spring will arrive soon! As I understand it, Groundhog's Day was derived from the Old World holiday Candlemas, which evolved out of the Celtic holiday Imbolc, it marks the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox.
Here in the US, Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania gets all the attention, but Jimmy the Groundhog in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin is the true soothsayer! Or at least that's what I've always believed, having grown up in Wisconsin. Actually, Groundhog day is gaining in popularity and there are would be woodchuck prognosticators all over, from Birmingham Bill and Dixie Dan, to Metompkin Max and the albino Wiarton Willie.
Any groundhog traditions in your area? Or other rights of spring?
I also wanted to apologize for being so behind on my watch list and everything else here at dA. My husband Thomas has been ill on and off since Christmas, so I went from hectic holiday preparations to a whole different set of priorities. Thomas is doing better and back at work again now, I hope this time it lasts!
Ciao!
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Deviants of Familiarity
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Deviants to Die For
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