CANDLEMAS DAY

In most parts of North America February 2nd is Groundhog Day. Groundhogs are not native to the island of Newfoundland, so people used the weather conditions on Febuary 2nd, which is known as Candlemas Day, to determine future weather conditions.

“If Candlemas Day be clear and fine, the rest of winter is left behind;
If Candlemas Day be rough and grum, there’s more of winter left to come.”

This is the opposite of the groundhog folklore, which states: “if it is cloudy when a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day, then the spring season will arrive early, some time before the vernal equinox; if it is sunny, the groundhog will supposedly see its shadow and retreat back into its den, and winter weather will persist for six more weeks.”

Each has a 50% chance of being correct!

Looking good here today!

Andrew McCarthy