I noticed that it is Groundhog day today.
"It's Groundhog Day!" I exclaimed to the Japanese family I live with.
"What's Groundhog Day?" They replied.
After explaining what a groundhog was, I then related the story of how the groundhog wakes up from his winter nap and comes out of his burrow, and if he sees his shadow, there is 6 more weeks of winter, or if he doesn't see his shadow, there's more winter...I can never remember.
Then, they told me of the Japanese ritual in early Febuary to usher in the end of winter:
They take dried soybeans and toss them about inside and outside the house, while saying "bring inside the light, bring outside any evil spirits". To make it even more exciting, one person in th household puts on a Japanese-devil mask and runs around the house while people throw the soybeans at the devil until it leaves the house.
How fun!
We both remarked at how we don't think about these things, since the seasons are different here.
Now I wonder, if the U.S. winter is meant to have 6 more weeks, does that mean here there will be 6 more weeks of summer?
I could deal with that.
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2 comments:
Oooooh, I LOVE that Japanese ritual!
Hope all is well, darlin'!
I think the groundhog thing is weird because (if I remember correctlty) if he sees it- there is 6 more weeks of winter. if he doesn't see it- it is only 6 weeks till spring. It is the same either way! No matter what- I got to meet Bill Murray during the filming of Groundhog Day the movie which was shot in Woodstock, IL. Plus it is my best friends b-day. All together a great holiday! Miss you!
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