Lithuanian Ground-Hog Day

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Groundhog Day (from Pennsylvania German Grund’sau dåkGrundsaudaag) and Nova Scotia: Daks Day) is a popular North American tradition observed in the United States and Canada on February 2. It derives from the superstition that if a groundhog emerging from its burrow on this day sees its shadow because the weather is clear, it will retreat to its den and winter will continue for six more weeks; if it does not see its shadow, spring will arrive early.

Wiarton Willie

In Lithuania, reports alkas.lt, predictions are made earlier. January 25 is considered the half-way mark through winter, and the beginning of nature’s spring awakening. It is still the traditional date to forecast the weather for the second half of winter, just as North Americans do on February 2. In Ontario, we will be listening for news from Wiarton, when “Wiarton Willy” emerges for his annual prognostication.

Lithuanians watch their friendly neighbourhood badger-hole to see if its resident comes out. Since ancient times, it is believed that if the badger emerges on a sunny day, it would be frightened by his shadow and retreat into his lair to lay down on his other side and fall asleep again. Which meant that spring would be late in coming. If he sky was overcast, he would come out and leave tracks in the snow around his lair, then the remainder of the winter weather would be warmer, and spring would come early.

In Lithuanian folklore this day was also called Worm Day, because it was believed that snakes would awaken that day for a brief time. Farmers would encourage nature to wake up by shaking their apple trees and knocking on their beehives.

Various Lithuanian parks organize hikes and educational programs for children on January 25 and the weekend following it. Alkas.lt