Groundhog day (German-Penn) evolved from Candlemas Day (Christian) – which evolved from Imbolc (Celtic) —- which evolved from a few cave guys knowing they were passing the mid-point of winter and needing to jump around and do something.
“Stoke up the fire – it’s ON!!!”
“If Candlemas Day is bright and clear,
There’ll be twa winters in the year.”
This is an old Scottish poem about February 2nd – Twa means 2
Basically saying that if the sun is shining on this day then winter will be longer.
Candlemas – A mass of candles – all the candles in the church were fired up to help bring light and hope to winter wary folk. There is also a 40 days after this or the other with the virgin Mary and some other mumbo jumbo to help validate it.
– which make me a wee bit suspicious.
Because they needed to add more validation – they were trying extra hard to secure a claim.
On the left is the Saint Brigit and on the right is the Celtic goddess Brigid – Notice anything similar in these incredible hastily done illustrations?
- Thig an nathair as an toll
- Là donn Brìde,
- Ged robh trì troighean dhen t-sneachd
- Air leac an làir.
- The serpent will come from the hole
- On the brown Day of Bríde,
- Though there should be three feet of snow
- On the flat surface of the ground.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brigid
They both carry the fire of spring.
The ancient pagan festival of Imbolc in honor of this goddess of early spring is celebrated on February 2nd (it includes a little weather prognostication) – Christianity kept her fire and made her the Irish Patron Saint Brigit who has her day on February 1st.
I am totally OK with the practice of stamping new traditions on old ones – this one is very cool because aside from replacing the wild hair with a halo – they keep the entire package together.
Anyway- moving on to my debilitated history mixed with folklore.
The groundhog or ~ ah ~ hedgehog or bear or badger
Somehow a rodent got in the mix—-blame it on the Romans – blame it on an over zealous priest or wizard – blame it on what you want – there are a few different theories.
But at the base of it all – It’s a simple evolution of the “sunny weather or cloudy weather” theme — turning into “see my shadow” because that is far more poetic.
The hedgehog is in the mix—can also substitute a badger or bear in a pinch, if that is what you have lying around the house.
The Germans later settled in Pennsylvania and found no hedgehogs —but lots and lots of groundhogs.
So here we go with a very sketchy explanation of how we arrive at Punxsutawney Phil.
Disclaimer: I cannot defend my last few statements with any reference material whatsoever – please believe or not believe at you own risk.
Taking liberties from “see my shadow” to “I am a rodent that can only tell the guy with the tallest black hat what the future holds” — is all Punxsutawney shabby theater —and take it from this blogger – Well worth the trip!
From an old English poem:
If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Come, Winter, have another flight;
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Go Winter, and come not again.
http://www.groundhog.org/about/history/
The basic theme is always the same —- a nice sunny day – be careful! Don’t to be lulled.
And a cloudy stormy day — take heed – spring may arrive sooner than you think.
Either way – Winter is coming to an end and we are looking forward to the next season.
This is the turning point – we are on the way out of the darkness and the cold.
I love this day.
Happy Groundhog day to all!
[All accidental illustrations done by me, if you would like to use any (really can’t think why) just ask me]
Cave of Fame 
Beautiful blogging Caveman. Don’t know about this ‘Groundhog Day’ but glad you love it and, in Australia, it is the end of a hot dry summer so miserable wet winter is now a welcome thought. Love your illustrations and good humour. Shall return!
Thank you
Imbolc is my halfway through winter day; there is always 6 more weeks of it here. Good drawings for this well researched story. Have you started working on your Beltane post yet?
I haven’t – I don’t know if I was going to – my brain is not working great at the moment.
I love the disclaimer haha. All the gods and deity’s should take note! Great post. My knowledge of groundhog day was from the film by that name. I kinda expected you’d just keep re-posting this post every day from now on 🙂
Yesterday, on my way home from work, I had to stop to let an echidna cross the road- very similar to a hedgehog, but I’m not sure of its message- maybe “slow down”- effective cause I actually slowed to a stop until it waddled one way then back the other way to the safety of a grassy patch by the side of the road.
That is very cool – since you stopped for one of these fellas – you either live in Australia or next to a zoo with suspect fencing. 🙂 I drove by a coyote which was soaked in rain on the side of the highway yesterday- People think they are a menace-but very regal animals to me. Thanks for visiting! Wayne
Yes, live in Australia. Coyotes are beautiful, I agree!
Most interesting! Dig the sketches, too.
… when I think Groundhog Day I think Bill Murray.
Great movie and interesting genius of a comic – dig his style.
Love it! Happy Groundhog Day! 🙂
Thanks Much!
Happy Groundhog’s Day Wayne
Thanks MM!
Thanks for reading from my blog. This is a really first-rate summation and interpretation of this oh-so-strange celebration. It is ancient custom turned into modern custom (the wearing of top hats, for example–unless the Romans have these, too). The comparison of Brigids if first-rate. And your own turn of phrase, such as “winter wary” and “trying extra hard to stake a claim,” is reasoned and engaging. Happy G-Day to you!
Thanks for the kinds words – spring is on the way!
Happy February 2nd Wayne!
Your illustrations are great! Ha ha I can only do match sticks guys and it looks worst than kindy kids talent! Thanks for the information on Groundhog day! 😀
Thank you GH – I have a little more time to sketch now! 🙂
Look forward to seeing more of your posts and sketches Wayne! Have a great day ahead
I sketched a bit and wrote a bit – and I really do love this day Cheryl – thanks for checking in. 🙂
Funny-I enjoyed it! Hope you are doing well Wayne. Cheryl
This makes me think two things: (1) “Half your wood and half your hay / should be in hand on Candlemas Day.” No doubt sage advice for anyone living through a rural Northern winter. (2) “Groundhog Day” is a peculiarly great movie.
Yes and yes – and there is much more to add to this wonderful celebration. A “garden variety” blogger can only do so much. 🙂