Groundhog's day, the scam of a lifetime.

[conuly]

Listen up. In six weeks is the equinox. So no matter what, it's six weeks between now and the first day of spring. If the groundhog sees his shadow, that doesn't mean there's six more weeks of winter, and if he doesn't that doesn't mean that there's six more weeks to spring - in fact, if you think about it, both statements mean the exact same thing.

Personally, of course, I prefer the old system. Midwinter and Midsummer are the solstices. Midway between them are the equinoxes (midfall and midspring). Midway between solstice and equinox is the first day of the season, and today is therefore the first day of spring.

Happy spring, guys.

Edit: Guys, I know that the current system places the first day of spring at the equinox. I don't like this system, and prefer to consider the equinox the middle of spring, not the start. It makes more sense to me.

Comments

[mortaine.livejournal.com]

Well, see, if the groundhog sees his shadow, there's six more weeks of winter. And if he doesn't, then it's only a month and a half before spring! See?

Also: Groundhog's Day is Candlemas as well as a bunch of lovely old holidays celebrating the return of light. I love the fact that in our modern, urban world, it has warped into this little animus critter, the groundhog, as our divine Seer, to summon back the Light of Spring.

Remember to light candles tonight to welcome the light back. I know I will [okay, birthday candles, but still....]

[conuly]

Well, see, if the groundhog sees his shadow, there's six more weeks of winter. And if he doesn't, then it's only a month and a half before spring!

*glares*

2. Yes, Candlemas rocks.

[jacob5664]

This is completely untrue. Regardless whether it sees it's shadow, you see shadows in all seasons. And it would be more common to see your shadow in the spring rather than the winter, because the Sun shines more in the spring than the winter.