Tweet this: Welcome to Groundhog’s Day!

Today is Groundhog’s Day. This is the one day of the year when the groundhog has notoriety. He’s famous in cartoon, legends, children’s stories, weather predictions, and just plain fun. This little furry creature is onstage before he crawls out of his cozy, underground burrow. Photographers and reporters are waiting to see if he sticks his head out of the ground. If the groundhog sees his shadow, then don’t put away the gloves and boots. If he doesn’t, then plan an early spring shopping trip.

Many are taking bets.

Stats show that the groundhog is 80% correct.

But where did all this start? According to www.groundhog.org, the official sighting began in 1887. But the myth dates back hundreds of years. “The groundhog tradition stems from beliefs associated with Candlemas Day and the days of early Christians in Europe, and for centuries the custom was to have the clergy bless candles and distribute them to the people.” They were tired of winter and needed a sign. Interesting read, and you can access the yummy history stuff here – www.groundhog.org/about/history

Living in Houston, we bypass the snow and ice. Frankly, anything below 70 degrees is cold to me . . . But I remember growing up in Ohio. Groundhog’s day was super important.

So why my emphasis on this tradition, other than today is the holiday? I want to give away two of my historical novels titled Journey of the Heart. Although re-titled, this is the first book I wrote! Thankfully, I was able to do a little editing first. But this story launched my writing career, and it is indeed special.