Groundhog's Day

2nd February

Groundhog Day is a legend.
This legend comes from Germany, Austria and England 
where the people predicted the length of winter by hibernating animals.

In USA it is believed that the groundhog comes out of his burrow. 

If the sun is shining, 
he sees his shadow it means 
that there will be six more weeks of winter weather. 

If it is cloudy, 
the groundhog cannot see his shadow, 
so he will come out and that is a sign of an early spring.

This is not a scientific fact!

Some facts

The woodchuck, or groundhog, is one of the best known wild mammals in America, 
but few realize this rodent is a member of the Squirrel Family. 
Its common name, woodchuck, is an anglicized corruption of an Indian name for this species. 
The origin of its other name, groundhog, 
is obvious from the animal's squat appearance, 
waddling gait and habit of living in the ground.

If Candlemas be fair and bright, 
Winter has another flight. 
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, 
Winter will not come again.

If Candlemas Day is bright and clear, 
There'll be two winters in the year.

"Candelora dell'inverno semo fora, 
ma se piove e tira vento, 
dell'inverno semo drento"!

How much wood 
Would a woodchuck chuck 
If a woodchuck could chuck wood? 
A woodchuck would chuck 
All the wood he could chuck 
If a woodchuck could chuck wood.

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