Can you fill the following blanks that complete the
information about Groundhog Day?
Today, let us learn about Ground Hog’s day, which
traditionally marks the midpoint between winter ______________ and spring
______________. Around this time, farmers used to determine when to sow seeds
of their crops, so they tried to forecast whether there would be an early spring
or lingering winter.
Sunshine on __________mas (February 2nd) was
said to indicate the returns of winter. Similarly, “when the wind is in the
east on ____________mas Day, there it will stick until May 2nd.”
It was not held as a good _____________ if the day itself
was bright and sunny, because that betokened snow and frost to continue to the
hiring of the laborers 6 weeks later on Lady Day. If it was cloudy and dark,
warmth and rain would thaw out the fields and have them ready for planting.
Our Groundhog Day is a remote survivor of that belief.
According to legend, if a groundhog sees its _____________ on the day, there
will be six more weeks of winter; if it doesn’t, then spring is right around
the corner.
For centuries, farmers in France and England looked to a
______________; in Germany, they kept their eye on the badger. In the 1800s,
German immigrants to _______________ (=> Which US State?) brought the
tradition with them. Finding no badgers there, they adopted the groundhog to
fit the lore.
Though we recognize that animal behavior isn’t the only
way to judge planting dates, the tradition continues often with a wink and a
smile.
Here is a quick question about Groundhog’s Day in 2021:
So, will the groundhog see his shadow? The answer is…._______________________________________________________.
(*Source from the Old Farmer’s Almanac)
Answer Keys
1. Solstice,
equinox
2. Candlemas,
Candlemas
3. Omen
4. Shadow
5. Bear
6. Pennsylvania
7. Answer to the quick question: It
depends on whether February 2nd is sunny or cloudy! 😆
(*Picture source from https://www.lwtears.com/blog/5-fun-facts-about-groundhog-day-teachers-and-students)
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