Groundhog day is my favorite holiday. It’s true! What’s not to love about a holiday that heralds Spring, whether early or late it’s such a pleasure to be reminded that before we know it the earth will be turning green and bursting with new life in about 6 weeks. I see it as an equal opportunity holiday, with no pressure to spend or organize events. We’re all simply invited to observe the weather and connect to the changing season.

I recently learned from my friends at Lady Farmer, about the Gaelic goddess Cailleach who rules the winter. Legend has it that if she intends to make the winter last a good while longer, she will make sure the weather on February 1st is bright and sunny, so she can gather plenty of firewood to keep herself warm in the coming months. I’m so fascinated by the apparent translation of this tradition into groundhogs day! Perhaps my love for groundhogs day is a thread to the distant past.

Wish your friends a happy groundhogs day this year! Maybe even take a long lunch or knock off work early to plan your spring garden. I’m hoping for a cloudy day to herald an early Spring and I’ll be happy even if the sun is shining!