There are many Pagan traditions that we observe, or have transformed for use, in western culture...most of which I like. Let's face it, there is nothing better than dressing up like Jedi, animals, or fairy princesses, while giving our neighbors the supreme ultimatum --Trick or Treat!?
But you have to admit that Groundhog Day is by far the dumbest thing on our calendar. Let's examine the logic:
cloudy day = no shadow = end of winter;
sunny day = shadow = winter.
So, if I'm understanding this right, if it is snowing, or will be snowing soon, there will be no shadow and...winter is over? Alternatively, if it is sunny and 70 degrees, that clearly means...6 more weeks of winter?
What @*#%&$# made this up? Seriously, at least with the other stupid Pagan traditions, there was some capatilist reasoning behind continuing our activities (e.g. candy hearts and flowers on Valentine's Day).
I have an alternate explaination to today's events in Punxsutawney: A goundhog was pulled out of a cage and lifted 8 feet in the air with one hand (something that most animals really like...you should try it with my cat)--
Doesn't he look happy?
30,000+ people start screaming and cheering--and Phil goes and hides. Call me crazy, but I'm thinking he wasn't afraid of his shadow.
If that isn't enough to convince you of the utter retardedness of the day's festivities, we'll look at side by side stats. Punxsutawney Phil and Spanish Joe (the Canadian version) lead the league in most favorite groundhog status. They live within 500 miles of each other. In the past 10 years Phil has gone with 6 more weeks of winter 8/10 times, whereas Joe has gone with early spring 8/10 times. Sounds to me like the American hog is a lot smarter because he figured out how to get more sleep. U. S. A. U. S. A.!!
Does everyone agree that this is a tad bit dumb? If not, I'd love to hear the reaons that you think any Groundhog Day event in this day and age is still noteworthy, newsworthy, or should be given any thought whatsoever.
Am I ranting again? BTW: Feel free to rant in the cave (without whining of course)...rant = good.