Canada’s best-known groundhogs predicted an early spring on Tuesday, as they delivered their annual forecast online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Val-d’Espoir, on the Gaspé peninsula, the Quebec marmot Fred hesitated to leave his miniature cabin. When the rodent finally emerged, the organizer brought it up to his ear and said he predicted an early spring.
Nova Scotia’s most famous groundhog, Shubenacadie Sam, had been the first to make his prediction, hesitantly emerging from his miniature barn without seeing his shadow.
In Wiarton, Ont., The community’s famous albino groundhog, Wiarton Willie, was nowhere to be found, as officials called the start of spring after throwing a fur hat in the air – a move they say is reminiscent of the first edition of the tradition over 60 years old.
The message was delivered by Mayor Janice Jackson in a pre-recorded video.
According to folk tradition, if a groundhog does not see its shadow on Groundhog Day, spring temperatures will arrive soon. However, if the beast spots its shadow, the winter will still be long.
Folklorists say the Groundhog Day ritual might have something to do with February 2 being halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, but no one knows for sure. .
In medieval Europe, farmers believed that if hedgehogs emerged from their burrows to catch insects, it was a sure sign of an early spring.
However, when Europeans settled in eastern North America, the groundhog replaced the hedgehog.
In the United States, the popular Pennsylvania groundhog Punxsutawney Phil offered a less optimistic prediction than his Canadian counterparts. The American groundhog would have seen its shadow, thus predicting six more winter weeks.
The animal made its prediction as the northeastern United States is hit by a major storm.