02 February Graond Hog Day

 

 NATIONAL GROUNDHOG DAY   

National Groundhog Day on February 2nd each year asks one question. Will he see his shadow? Ok, well, maybe it asks another question. Will there be six more weeks of winter? The day is celebrated each year in the United States and Canada. 

Traditionally the groundhog awakens from his nap for a nice welcomed break during the winter to see if he can see his shadow. Many believe if the groundhog sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If this is so, he retreats into his den and goes back to sleep. However, if he does not see his shadow, the groundhog remains outside to play, and people celebrate, believing spring is just around the corner.

Tradition

The tradition of predicting the length of the remaining winter is intertwined with the Christian holiday, Candlemas. The clergy would bless candles symbolizing the 'light of the world' to give to their congregations. Another tradition associated with this day is eating crepes. Germans practiced the art of predicting the winter with a hedgehog. When they arrived in the United States, they settled in the hills of Pennsylvania, and the groundhog became the official predictor.

Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, has hosted the annual Groundhog day event. Thousands of people come to the town of Punxsutawney on Groundhog Day for this day of celebration.

Although already a well-known day, Groundhog Day received widespread attention due to the 1993 film Groundhog Day, which was set in Punxsutawney and portrayed Roger Rininger as the groundhog.

How to Observe National  Groundhog Day

• Watch Punxsutawney Phil and see if he sees his shadow.
• See the captioned picture above*
  
• Make your own prediction for National Groundhog Day.
• Watch a documentary about groundhogs.
• Watch Groundhog the movie. And then, watch it again.
• Read the Farmer's Almanac to determine the likelihood of an early spring. Does Phil agree?
• Look for your shadow.

National  Groundhog Day History

An early American reference to Groundhog Day can be found in a diary entry by storekeeper James Morris, dated February 4th, 1841, of Berks County, Pennsylvania.

Groundhog FAQ

Q. What's another name for a groundhog?
A. Groundhogs are also called a woodchuck.

Q. Does a groundhog hibernate?
A. Yes. The groundhog is a hibernating rodent.

Q. Where do groundhogs live?
A. Groundhogs are native to the North American continent and are not found elsewhere in the world.

 

Also

Heavenly Hash Day

Tater Tot Day 

Today's Thought

Be productive...not busy.

 

46 Days Until Spring

In the Spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours. ~ Mark Twain

01 February

NATIONAL DARK CHOCOLATE DAY 

On February 1st, National Dark Chocolate Day reminds us to indulge a little. Many tout dark chocolate as the healthier chocolate. However, for some, it can be an acquired taste.

National Dark Chocolate Day

Also known as bittersweet chocolate, dark chocolate is different from milk chocolate. Candy makers add milk or butter to milk chocolate, giving it a creamier consistency. Dark chocolate includes no added milk or butter. Instead, the percentage of cocoa solids remaining in the chocolate determines how dark the chocolate is. The higher the ratio, the darker the chocolate. It may also have a slightly bitter taste.

Chocolate comes from the seed of the tropical Theobroma cacao tree. We have been cultivating cacao for at least three millennia, and the plant grows in Mexico, Central America, and Northern South America. Our earliest known documentation of using cacao seeds dates to around 1100 BC.

Fermentation helps develop the flavor of the cacao seeds. Otherwise, the seeds are too bitter to eat. Once fermented, the beans are dried, cleaned, and roasted. After roasting, the shell is removed to produce cacao nibs. Processors then ground the cocoa nips into cocoa mass, pure chocolate in rough form. Next, they usually liquefy the cocoa mass and mold it with or without other ingredients. At this point in the process, it is called chocolate liquor. The chocolate liquor may then be processed into two components: cocoa solids and cocoa butter.

Besides being lower in calories and fat, dark chocolate has many other health benefits. It also serves as a decadent ingredient in many desserts and sauces.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL DARK CHOCOLATE DAY

• Eat some dark chocolate.
• Bake with dark chocolate.
• Add dark chocolate to a savory dish.
• Share dark chocolate recipes.
• Host a dark chocolate tasting.
• Learn about the health benefits of dark chocolate.

Dark Chocolate FAQ

Q. Can I add a little dark chocolate to my coffee?
A. Yes. The simplest solution is to add a dark chocolate syrup or cocoa powder.

Q. Can anyone eat dark chocolate?
A. No. Some people are allergic to chocolate, and even small amounts will be harmful to them.

Q. Can dark chocolate be a savory ingredient?
A. Yes. Dark chocolate can be added to sauces and stews. Chili is one dish where some recipes call for dark chocolate.

Also

Baked Alaska Day

Freedom Day

Get Up Day

Play Outside Day

Serpent Day

Ice Cream for Breakfast Day

Texas Day

Today's Thought

Whatever you want to do, do it now.  There are only so many tomorrows.  ~ Michael Landon

 

47 Days Until Spring

In the Spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours. ~ Mark Twain