Happy Groundhog Day

Today is February 2nd - Groundhog Day! So go celebrate by doing whatever it is people do on Groundhog Day. I guess it's a big thing out east, especially in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, but if you happen to live no where close to that little town, celebrate in your own way.

The date is also the traditional day of Candlemas on western calendars. This was the date 40 days after the birth of Christ where the Virgin Mary would have gone to the temple to attend a ceremony of ritual purification and present her child to the temple.

Some traditions and superstitions surrounding Candlemas are that traditionally it was on the eve of Candlemas that all Christmas decorations were taken down for any traces of holly, lights, trees and anything else Christmas-like after Candlemas would bring death and misfortune in the coming year. (So all of you people who still have your Christmas decorations out, take them down already!) Also it was traditionally found that good weather on Candlemas Day meant another 40 days of winter, which is where the tradition of Groundhog Day originally comes from.

Also, Groundhog day marks the 6 week mark to another lesser known and even lesser celebrated holiday, St. Urho's Day. St. Urho is a fake legend that the Finnish made up when immigrating to America and wanted their own holiday to keep strong ties to their Finnish culture. (Some people think they were jealous of the Irish & St Patrick's Day) Apparently he is celebrated because he drove out all of the Grasshoppers from Finland...similarities?

Anyway a little fun trivia for you today on Groundhog's Day.

And by the way, Phil saw his shadow today, so hope you haven't got all of the skiing out of your system just yet.