Groundhog’s Day is my favorite holiday. When I tell people this they laugh, cringe a bit then look bewildered. Favorite holidays tend be Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day 
or maybe even Festivus, but not Groundhog’s Day? Even though there is no candy, green beer or airing of grievances, Groundhog’s Day offers something that none of these can, spring.
Along with the great spectacle of watching a guy in a top hat and tuxedo yank a hibernating 20 pound rodent out of faux log, Groundhog’s Day offers the first inkling of spring. The calendar says spring starts on the Vernal Equinox, March 20th. I say it starts when Punxsutawney Phil emerges at Gobblers Knob.
Each year on February 2nd, well before sunrise, the excitement builds in Punxsutawney. Tens of thousands of on-hand revelers wait to hear Phil’s prognostication and celebrate together. Phil is removed from the log, held high in the air as photo flashes burst, then placed on the log to deliver the news. Phil whispers the decree to the President of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. The prediction is quickly translated from Phil’s Groundhogese into central Pennsylvanian, pre-dawn English (which sounds oddly similar to Groundhogese). Then, the announcement is made. And, over 80% of time, Phil sentences us to 6 more weeks of winter.
The actual prediction is of no matter though. The very fact that the Phil emerged melts ice and stirs crocuses. Whether Phil declares 6 more weeks of winter (sees his shadow) or spring arrives early (no shadow), February 2nd marks the beginning of spring for me. After this exceptionally cold, snowy winter, that seems like plenty of reason to make this holiday a favorite.
What is Your Prognostication?
Make your prediction. If you forecast the same weather as Punxsutawney Phil, you will be entered into a drawing for a new, Sony CyberShot DSC, 12.1 MP digital camera from No Better Deal. Only one entry per person. Offer ends February 1, 2010.
UPDATE – Prognostication Made!
Punxsutawney Phil declares 6 more weeks of winter! That won’t stop all of us from welcoming spring though.
Have a happy Groundhogs Day!
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