Gound Hog Day

INTRODUCTION

In 1886, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania held a festival in honor of Groundhog’s Day which was based on an old German custom. Each year it generates tourist income for the town. Legend says that if the groundhog sees its shadow there will be six more weeks of winter, otherwise, spring will come soon.

POEM

Good Weather Assured

by Winifred Sackville Stoner, Jr.

When the second of February rolls around,

Out of his hole in the cold, dark ground

Comes Mr. Groundhog to look at the sky

And see if the season of summer is nigh;

So that he in the fields may merrily run

And eat farmers' crops 'neath the light o' the sun.

But if his own shadow he unfortunately sees,

In the greatest of terror he falls on his knees,

And quickly returns to his subterra home,

Resolving that he will not again roam

Till six stormy weeks have slowly gone by,

And then once again, perhaps he will try

To put his flat head above the cold ground,

And take a survey of the earth all around.

So I made up my mind that during the year

I'd keep him at home so he couldn't appear.

And to bring wintry weather he hadn't a chance,

For of his own shadow he caught not a glance.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Children's Groundhog Poetry: Groundhog's Day Poems and Recitals for Kids. Apples4theteacher. Retrieved April 19, 2009 from http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/ground-hog-day/kids-poems-rhymes/good-weather-assured.html

EXTENSION
Do an Internet search to locate other superstitions. See which superstitions might also be used as a business opportunity. Write commercial jingles to advertise the chosen activities.

Photo courtesy of http://images.search.yahoo.com.