What animal is said to be able to predict 6 more weeks of Winter?
The first Groundhog Day was celebrated on February 2, 1887 by a "rodent meteorologist". This tradition continues to this day, where if a groundhog comes out of its hole from hibernation, and sees its shadow, it will get scared and run back into its hole. This signifies there will be 6 more weeks of Winter. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early Spring.
This was originally a German tradition, where they used hedgehogs instead, but switched to groundhogs once they arrived to the United States, as they were much more plentiful.
More Info:
www.history.com
What are your thoughts on this subject?
18 Comments
Player
Groundhog day picture gave it away
John McLardie
Another QC clone perhaps?
Irene Townsend
Loved that movie, Groundhog Day
Bank-Robber
Bill Murray Groundhog Day movie was a big clue!!!
Patty K
Wooly bears are more accurate. If a wooly bear (a fuzzy caterpillar) has a wider stripe, the winter is supposed to be longer, colder and more severe. If it has a narrow stripe, winters are usually short and mild.
bettye
Who did that? I need to submit some questions. I think I could do better than that.
belindawilliams
Actually, it’s 6 more weeks anyway. The groundhog predicts whether or not it’s going to be milder or not☺️
Helga U. Williams
Hmm..interesting to know that this was originally a German tradition. Being German born-and-bred, I never heard of this until I came to the United States!!!
🙄
Mary Anne Kalbfus
Lane Mark S, That's what l always thought, but apparently the thinking was that if he sees his shadow, he thinks it's still autumn so winter hasn't arrived yet.
Albeck1994
Robin Heckler, look at the profile, 11/2021 joined, posed 6 questions, answered none . No profile picture, it's typical for quiz club
Albeck1994
Ron Harvey, absolutely just hope it doesn't turn into another Ballino,
Shirley Dutt
My mother in law's birthday.
Stephen Illich
Was living within 1/2 hour of where film was made at the time.
Jas Newman
Player, For those who already knew, which was almost everyone.
Robin Heckler
John McLardie, to new to tell for sure. however it does look that way by this question and her stats.
Claire Ching
Great choice of picture for a hint :-)
Raymond Cardona
It's all a ploy. If one checks the calendar it's six weeks until the spring equinox from February 2nd but there is a big difference between the first day of Spring and the first Spring day Where I live we can have spring like temperatures in early March or snow in mid April
Bonnie