Groundhog Day: Wiarton Willie predicts Canada will have an early spring

Canada’s famous weather prognosticating groundhog Wiarton Willie did not see his shadow today. So according to Groundhog Day folklore he is predicting an early spring.  

Willie’s prediction happened in a rather unusual way for the 65th anniversary of the annual tradition due to COVID-19. A video detailing the history of Wiarton Willie and Groundhog Day was sent to the media along with the eventual albeit comedic approach to the prediction. Yes, this year Wiarton Willie’s was replaced by a fluffy white hat. Mayor Janice Jackson then declares that Willie did not see his shadow and so it will be an early spring.

Traditionally in Canada the bear was the spring prognosticator of choice but in the 1930’s the U.S. began calling it Groundhog Day and that was the name that stuck.

The idea of the hybernating bear coming out in early February to look for food seemed to make a great deal of sense that it would be an earlier spring.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Trudeau referenced Groundhog Day while updating Canadians on the COVID-19 situation. “For a lot of people, it’s not just today that’s felt like Groundhog Day – it’s the whole last year,” said Prime Minister Trudeau. “Not only are days in quarantine repeating themselves, but we’re also wondering how long this winter is going to last…The past 12 months have been really hard.”

Other articles from totimes.ca – otttimes.ca – mtltimes.ca