Can A Groundhog Teach You To Be A Hero?

February 2, 2011 is the 125^th Groundhog Day celebration in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, a holiday created by a story.

Traditional Stories

“Legend has it that if Punxsutawney Phil emerges from his temporary burrow—a simulated tree stump at the rural site of Gobbler’s Knob—on February 2 and sees his shadow, winter weather will continue for six more weeks across the United States. But if Phil doesn’t see his shadow, then spring temperatures are just around the corner” (Groundhog Day 2011: Punxsutawney Phil Sees No Shadow.)

The story of Punxsutawney Phil is interesting enough as folklore, demonstrating the power of stories to create traditions. It also demonstrates the curious human habit of using animals of all varieties as sources of wisdom, in the form of morality tales to teach people some sort of lesson. In this case, a groundhog—also known as a woodchuck—has the ability to forecast how long winter will last. Read more…