Early February Happenings

Today, the second day of February is the Super Bowl, but it is also GroundHog Day. The first time ever,I think, they fell on the same day.Does everyone know what a groundhog/woodchuck is ? To me it is a big fat rodent.It hibernates nearly 6 months of the year-in hibernation it breathes once every 6 minutes and its temperature is maintained at 38 degrees.

How it became a Holiday-though it is a minor one -started way back in Roman times when most peoples lives were linked to farming. It was called Candelmas Day in the church calendar.There was a celebration midway between the winter soltice and the spring equinox.German folklore involves a badger. If it sees sunshine it goes back in its burrow for more winter. This is the ancient message of Groundhog day-even though it's cold and dark outside, now is the time to lay the foundation for spring and summer planting, a piece of ancient wisdom.   
This is also the Chinese Year of the Horse-it began on January 31.

If this is your year it represents prosperity. And there are parades and this picture shows a street ready for a big parade. I wonder who hangs all those lanterns--.