Groundhog Day puts shadows in spotlight

6:00pm Wednesday 6th February 2013 in News

Harry with his Carcharodontosaurus Buy this photo » Harry with his Carcharodontosaurus

IN THE UK, February 2 might not mean much, but in the USA they spend the day fixated on a groundhog’s shadow.

So at Science Oxford at the weekend they used the occasion of ‘Groundhog Day’ to pass on some shadowy tricks.

Youngsters turned up and experimented with shadow puppets and sundials to learn about how they work.

James Cann, from Headington, Oxford, took his children Harry, five, and Emily, four, along on Saturday. Mr Cann said: “They had a great time and it was really good. Harry made a dinosaur shadow puppet while Emily made an owl.”

Harry, pictured with his Carcharodontosaurus, said: “I had a nice time. I made a dinosaur shadow puppet and it was really cool.”

Groundhog Day is marked in the USA every February 2 when people gather to see groundhog Punxsutawney Phil leave his burrow.

According to tradition, if it is cloudy when he emerges then spring will come early, but if it is sunny the groundhog will see his shadow and go back into his burrow, meaning winter will last for another six weeks.

This year he predicted an early spring.

Picture: OX56617 Antony Moore

Related links

Comments (4)

6:04pm Wed 6 Feb 13

Grunden Skip says...

I prefer Bill Murray's take on it myself. Much more fun.
I prefer Bill Murray's take on it myself. Much more fun. Grunden Skip

10:41pm Wed 6 Feb 13

Myron Blatz says...

Makes a change from eating them, I suppose - or is that guinea pigs in Peru?
Makes a change from eating them, I suppose - or is that guinea pigs in Peru? Myron Blatz

7:53am Thu 7 Feb 13

Simon33 says...

Good to see another American festival crossing the pond.

I expect 4 July added to our Bank Holidays within the next decade!
Good to see another American festival crossing the pond. I expect 4 July added to our Bank Holidays within the next decade! Simon33

9:01am Thu 7 Feb 13

Cathena says...

It is Candlemas Day in the UK - don't let the US hog everything.
It is Candlemas Day in the UK - don't let the US hog everything. Cathena

Comments are closed on this article.

click2find

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree