Shadow, or not?

February 2nd marks the annual Groundhog Day celebration, a popular tradition in the United States. Groundhog Day can be linked back to a time when humans relied on animals awakening on specific dates to catch a glimpse into the “future”, such as the day that the groundhog comes out of his hole after a long winter sleep to look for his shadow.

 

The tradition states that, if the groundhog sees his shadow, it is an omen of six more weeks of winter weather to come and he returns to his hole to continue sleeping. If the groundhog does NOT see his shadow, it is a sign that spring is on his way and he will stay above ground to play.

126 years ago (1886), in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, the Phil the groundhog made his first prediction.  The following year the first official trek to Gobbler’s Knob was made and the celebration has been located there ever since. Early observances were held privately in the wooded area surrounding the town, but today’s celebrations sees tens of thousands of visitor from various locations awaiting Phil’s appearance.

For a century and a half, Punxsutawney Phil has had quite a few significant highlights. Some of these points are as follows (courtesy of Groundhog.org):

  • During Prohibition Phil threatened to impose 60 weeks of winter on the community if he wasn’t allowed a drink.
  • In 1958 Phil announced that it was a “United States Chucknik,” rather than a Soviet Sputnik or Muttnik that became the first man-made satellite to orbit Earth.
  • In 1981 Phil wore a yellow ribbon in honor of the American hostages in Iran.
  • Phil traveled to Washington DC in 1986 to meet with President Reagan. He was joined by Groundhog Club President Jim Means, Al Anthony and Bill Null.
  • Phil met Pennsylvania Governor Dick Thornburg in 1987.
  • In 1993, Columbia Pictures released the movie Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray.

 

  • Phil appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show in 1995.
  • In the years following the release of the movie, record crowds numbering as high as 30,000 have visited Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney!
  • In 2001, Phil’s prediction was shown live on the JumboTron at Times Square in New York City.
  • Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell attended the ceremonies, making him the first sitting governor ever to do so.

The past 4 years’ predictions were:

2011 No shadow, spring is near!

2010 Phil saw his shadow and told his prediction to new Inner Circle President Bill Deeley.

2009 Phil saw his shadow and Inner Circle President Bill Cooper completed his final interpretation and retired at Gobblers Knob. It was 7:26 a.m.

2008 It was 29 degrees. In front of one of the largest crowds ever at Gobblers

 

We have had a pretty mild winter here in Northwest Ohio thus far. Do you think this is an indication that spring is well on its way? Or perhaps this weather is just teasing us and there will be six more weeks of wintery conditions ahead of us!  I guess we will just have to wait for Phil’s prediction tomorrow at 7:25 AM to find out!

At Stikii, we are rooting for an early spring. Stikii shoes are perfect for the spring months and their bright colors seem to match the mood of the season. Our Stik-ems come in wonderful spring shapes like butterflies and rabbits! However, if winter is in the forecast, Stikii shoes are comfortable and will definitely keep feet warm. Whatever the prediction may be, it will be a good one if there are Stikii shoes on your feet!

 

For more information on Groundhog Day visit www.groundhog.org

For more information on Stikii shoes and Stik-em accessories visit www.stikii.com

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