Battle of the Groundhogs

Happy Monday and Happy Groundhog Day! Super Bowl XLIX is over and the game was a close one, with the Patriots edging the Seahawks with a score of 28-24. Many people said that Katy Perry's halftime show was one of the best they'd seen in a long time, and Idina Menzel didn't miss a note of the National Anthem. The Washington Post published the five best moments, and The Verge weighed in their opinion of the best and worst ads of the game. 

Well folks, it's official. Punxsutawney Phil, the most famous of all groundhogs saw his shadow, as did several local groundhogs. That means six more weeks of winter. We're certainly seeing this today as we're being hit with an snow and freezing rain here in NYC. Today, we'll talk about the tradition and the history behind this day. We'll also present predictions of some of the most well-known groundhogs.

Fun facts about the groundhog:

• The groundhog is also known as a woodchuck or whistle-pig.
• The average groundhog is about 20 inches and usually weighs from 12 to 15 pounds.
• Groundhogs usually have grayish hairs sometimes tipped with brown or red fur. 
• The groundhog is an herbivore. Its diet consists of greens, fruits, and vegetables. Most of their liquids come from the dewy leaves they are consume.
• Groundhogs whistle when they are alarmed or when they are courting in the spring (that's why they are sometimes called whistle-pigs).
• When a groundhog hibernates, it is more like a deep coma than actual sleeping.
• Baby groundhogs (kits or cubs) are usually born in mid-April or May, and are able to go out on their own after just a couple of month.
• The average groundhog lives from six to eight years. 

What is the history behind the tradition?

As we all know, tradition states that if the groundhog comes out of his sleep to look for his shadow. If he sees it, there will be six more weeks winter and goes back to sleep. If he doesn't, he stays above ground because he sees it as a sign of spring.

The tradition stems from Candlemas Day, or Feast of the Presentation, which is also observed beginning today. The Feast of the Presentation dates back to early days of Christianity in Rome. The day marked a milestone in winter and the weather that day was important. If it was a nice, fair day, then winter would linger on. If it was a cloudy and rainy day, winter would end. This tradition was brought to the Teutons (ancient Germans), who added to it by concluding that an animal (the hedgehog) would cast its shadow, predicting six more weeks of bad weather.

The tradition in the U.S. traces its roots to the early settlers in Pennsylvania. Many of the state's earliest settlers were Germans and concluded that the groundhog, similar to the European hedgehog in appearance and intelligence, would decide if there would be another six weeks of winter.

Famous Groundhogs

Punxsutawney Phil

Punxsutawney Phil: The most famous groundhog, of course, is Punxsutawney Phil of Pennsylvania, who made his 129th prediction this year. He is called the "seer of seers" by his disciples. The town's local newspaper, Punxsutawney Spirit first printed the news of its most famous resident in 1886. At first, his observations were conducted privately, but he has made more frequent public appearances over the years, including some noteworthy highlights. Punxsutawney Phil is a little larger than the average groundhog and receives a "magical punch" each summer, which gives him seven more years of life. Since his first prediction, Phil has seen his shadow 102 times and not seen it on 17 occasions. Whether or not his predictions are correct are always controversial, since the day is observed at the mid-point in winter.

Staten Island Chuck

Staten Island Chuck: Contrary to Phil,'s prediction, Staten Island Chuck (actually Charlotte) did not see her shadow today. This year, Chuck was kept behind glass since NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio dropped last year's groundhog, who died a week later. He also had a contentious relationship with former Mayor Mike Bloomberg, who, he bit in 2009. Chuck first made predictions in 1981 and resides in the Staten Island Zoo. The public is invited to meet her today for free.

Birmingham Bill: This year, Birmingham Bill, who resides in Alabama's Birmingham Zoo, took the day off, but invited fans to look at old photos online and to watch the highlighted Punxsutawney Phil tradition.

Birmingham Bill

Potomoc Phil: From Washington, D.C., stuffed groundhog Potomoc Phil who also predicted a longer winter.

Wiarton Willie: From Ontario, Canada, Wiarton Willie predicted an early spring. I believe he is the world's only albino groundhog. A festival each year is held in his honor. Residents can expect parades, talent shows, fireworks, pub crawls, nightly entertainment, outdoor activities, ice carvings, dog sledding, scavenger hunts and so much more!

General Beauregard Lee: From Atalanta, GA, Beau woke up to 44 degree temperatures and did not see his shadow, predicting an early spring for the south.

Sir Walter Wally: In Raleigh, NC, Sir Walter Wally also predicted a shorter winter. According to his handlers, he's right about 47 percent of the time. A local museum was holding festivities for the kids all day today.

Jimmy the Groundhog and Wynter: In Sun Prairie Wisconsin, Jimmy the Groundhog predicted there would be a longer winter, according to his handlers, However, the mayor thought so otherwise and Jimmy got an earful after biting the mayor! Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Zoo Groundhog, Wynter, also predicted six more weeks of winter and crawled back into her hole.

Finally, the two Long Island groundhogs, Malverne Mel and Holtsville Hall, both predicted longer winters. Neither groundhog made public appearances because of today's icy weather. It was a close race, but it looks like Chuck, Willie, Wally, and Beau are outnumbered this year.

Now onto the usual lists:

Party Idea of the Day: Teachmama has some great ideas for classroom Valentine's parties from planning to group games. All it takes is a little organization and creativity. 

Today's Birthdays: Shakira (38), Marissa Jaret Winokur (42), Jennifer Westfeldt (45), Michael Talbott (60), Ross Valory (66), Brent Spiner (66), Ina Garten (67), Howard Bellamy (69), Bo Hopkins (71), Graham Nash (73), and Tommy Smothers (78).

Holidaze: With all the fuss around Groundhog Day, most people don't realize it's National Heavenly Hash. This dessert can ranger from vanilla and chocolate ice cream filled with white vanilla marshmallow swirls, chopped almonds, and dark chocolate chunks to a gelatin-like recipe of marshmallow, nuts, and fruit. Check out Cooks.com for a list of heavenly hash recipes.

We posted Oscar Night and movie-themed games at the shop last night. Stay tuned for more details regarding our offerings throughout the month.

February is Black History Month, which will be the topic of tomorrow's blog. Stay warm and dry!

Have a PRINTASTIC Day!

Kathy