The origins of Groundhog Day
Feb. 2 is the day we observe Groundhog’s Day. It is difficult for gardeners to be at all cheery about groundhogs (woodchucks, whistle-pigs) since this large rodent can wipe out an entire row of produce when hunger strikes.
Several members of the rodent family bring woe to gardeners during the growing season: voles, squirrels, gophers, mice and rats. There are over 2,000 species of rodents – 40 percent of the mammals – and they are characterized by continuously growing front incisors. With a steady supply of new front teeth, gnawing destruction is to be expected. Why ever then would we set aside a day to celebrate a large rodent?
Beginning in the 1700s and into the 1800s groups of people primarily from Germany came to America and settled in Pennsylvania. The people lived simple lives close to nature. As they were being converted to Christianity, some of their beliefs about nature worship continued and church leaders r-framed them in acceptable language so the people could continue their celebrations. One minor church holiday called Candlemas occurs around Feb. 2.
In Jewish tradition, the mother and baby were to be presented at the temple 40 days after the child’s birth for purification and renewal (as was done 40 days after Christ’s birth on Christmas). The Pennsylvania Dutch linked that church holiday with the appearance of a sleepy rodent in the middle of a boring winter. Because the days are lengthening and more light is present, pagan believers celebrated a festival of spring called Imbolc around the same time. These festivals occur about halfway between the beginning of winter and the beginning of spring.
With no smartphones, super bowls or basketball tourneys our ancestors had to entertain themselves by speculating on whether the groundhog would emerge on a cloudy day and would amble about looking for food or would come out on a sunny day and fearing a shadow attack would scramble back for six more weeks of slumber. They then linked that occurrence with the beginning of spring. As our weather patterns have been unexpectedly erratic this year, it may be that a groundhog knows as well as anyone when spring will come. However, some are predicting an early spring. Gardeners are wary of being lured into early planting because often late spring frosts negate the gardener’s hard work.
Regardless of when planting time arrives, now is the time to begin planning and purchasing to be ready. Seed catalogs have arrived and many are offering bargains. It is also time to reassess your tools. You may need to replace some or repair some and make sure they are clean and sharp. Motorized tools can be serviced now when shops are a little less busy. Save some time to dream about the productive garden you are planning.
If Groundhog’s Day is really about anticipating spring, gardeners can celebrate that even though the conflicts will come another day. Think of the calendar this way: in eight weeks you can plant the hardy early vegetables.
Pat Smith is a Licking County Master Gardener Volunteer.