We are fast approaching Groundhog Day, so I thought I'd try to find a few superstitions about it.
The most surprising thing I found is that in the Ozarks and Ouachitas, Groundhog Day was believed to be February 14~the same day as Valentine's Day! Apparently, the official date of Groundhog Day was changed sometime after 1900. So, oldtimers don't pay much attention to what the groundhog does on February second~they keep a close eye on him on Valentine's Day.
Apparently, some believe that birds and rabbits begin their spring mating on February 14. And it is unlucky to eat rabbit after this date.
In case you'd like to keep up with Punxutawney Phil, here is a link to the official groundhog club. I think Phil is interesting, even if he is twelve days off of the 'official' Groundhog Day! I'm hoping he won't see his shadow on the 2nd or the 14th!
I love Groundhog day for three reasons... spring is in the air; my nephew was born on this day; and my sweet little dog "Butterbean" was born on this day! And you don't have to worry about me eating the rabbit before or after Groundhog's day. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Rosemary~ Groundhog day is my birthday! My mom always says I'm her lil' groundhog, LOL!!!!! It seems like they always predict 6 more weeks of winter and here in PA we always GET 6 more weeks:(
ReplyDeleteRM,
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to spring myself. I only like winter until Jan 1st. Been snowing here all day today.
I won't eat rabbit after Feb.14 thanks for the info.
Nancy Jo
I am SO ready for Spring....wonder if we could pay someone to blindfold the little guy on Feb. 2? -_-
ReplyDeleteAnd that was very interesting about Groundhog Day originally on Valentine's Day. I had never heard that before. I hate it when "they" change traditions for whatever reason.
Later, Aunt Deb
I've never heard of this one, Rose Mary!
ReplyDeleteThe 14th? How about that? Well, it won't matter too much whether or not he sees his shadow, cause up here it's snow, snow, snow until May.
ReplyDeleteHope you are keeping warm & happy, Rose Mary!
:)
Zuzu
I've never heard any wive's tales about Groundhog Day. I think the one in WV used to be called French Creek Freddie.
ReplyDeleteI did not know that about the groundhog day. Thanks for sharing that info.
ReplyDeleteHey Rosemary
ReplyDeleteI gave you an award over my Cindy's Tips and Hints..Love ya sweetie, you definitely have an attitude of gratitude!!
~C~
Hi there - just stopped by your blog after seeing your lovely dog Jackie's photo on the sidebar of Zuzu's blog. I never realised Groundhog Day was real - I thought it was just from the film! A great tradition and interesting about the 14th February!!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
Dan