Students observe Groundhog Day
Bluedevilhub.com Staff–
Predictions over the coming of spring have been made mulled over ever since the Babylonians used haloes to measure sunny days. Americans however, turned to rodents for their pre-telegraph invention weather forecasts.
Known as Groundhog Day, Feb. 2 begins with the annual groundhog ceremony in its place of origin- Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. According to folk tales, if the groundhog emerges from its burrow and does not see its shadow spring will come early, if it does then winter will continue for six additional weeks.
Although today this obscure holiday is considered outdated by many, Groundhog Day still holds special prominence in some Davis High students’ lives. Mainly meant to be a day spent with family, this holiday provides the perfect opportunity for relatives and friends to gather together and enjoy the first rays of spring sunshine.
Junior Maxine Zhao upholds her family tradition of planting new flowers and vegetables every Groundhog Day to celebrate the emergence of spring.
“Groundhog Day symbolizes the rebirth of nature and we (my family) like to help it along,” Zhao said, “Our family loves to spend time together to celebrate the blossoming of the Mother Earth… it’s the ideal opportunity.”
Spending time in the sun is also a must for sophomore David Wang. Wang chooses to play tennis and other sports with his family on February 2, opting to spend the weekend with family instead of his usual friends.
“I like to stay active, and it’s fun to play together as a family sometimes,” Wang said.
Not all students prefer the outdoors, and junior Cassie Slack finds Groundhog Day insignificant for its original purpose. She instead values the day for its shopping sales and rock-bottom prices.
“I usually just shop on the weekend that’s next to Groundhog Day,” Slack said.
Slack heard of Groundhog Day not through elementary school teachers, as most students did, but also through modern day movies such as “Bambi II” and “Groundhog Day”. She recalls first appreciating the actor Bill Murray after watching that 1993 comedy movie.
Although Slack previously believed the holiday to be irrelevant and unimportant, upon hearing about the original meaning and story behind Groundhog Day she has decided to change up her routine. Slack resolves to watch the annual TV special featuring the Punxsutawney, Philadelphia celebrations with her mom.
“I’m looking forward to observing more holidays this year,” Slack said, “Because I like spring, and the fact that there’s a holiday for that is pretty cool. I should be celebrating every chance I get, because I’m alive and I’m happy […] what more of an reason do I need?”
