New Outdoor Furniture is Just Around the Corner
Feb 4th, 2010 by Kathy
On Tuesday, Punxsutawney Phil came out of hibernation, saw his shadow, and predicted six more weeks of winter. No surprise there, especially since spring officially begins on March 20th, which is just over six weeks away; so it’s pretty much the same, shadow or not.
Sure, Groundhog Day is just for fun; but it certainly is strange. I mean, what started this whole idea of a groundhog, also known as a woodchuck, or a whistle pig, being able to predict the weather? Naturally, it began ages ago, and, like all other holidays (although it’s not actually a holiday), it’s so wrapped up in obscure traditions and folklore, that it’s difficult to pinpoint its exact origin.
As usual, when it comes to the unusual, the ancient Celts are somewhere in the mix. In the 5th century, they believed that, on certain days, halfway between the winter solstice and the vernal equinox, animals possessed supernatural powers that enabled them to predict the weather. In some parts of Europe, such as Germany and France, people thought that animals coming out of their dens too early would be frightened by their own shadows, and go back inside for another four to six weeks. Often, these animals were badgers and bears.
Some also suppose Groundhog Day, which falls on Candlemas Day, to be inspired by the old Scottish couplet, “If Candlemas Day is bright and clear, there’ll be two winters in the year.”
It is widely believed that the Pennsylvania Dutch brought the old tradition to this country in the 18th century. The first written American reference to Groundhog Day was found in the diary of James Morris, a storekeeper in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Dated February 5, 1841, it reads:
“Last Tuesday, the 2nd, was Candlemas Day, the day on which, according to the Germans, the groundhog peeps out of his winter quarters and if he sees his shadow he pops back for another six weeks nap, but if the day be cloudy he remains out, as the weather is to be moderate.”
So it seems that, during the winter, people have always looked anxiously for indications of spring. Here at CedarStore.com, the signs are unmistakable. Instead of a rodent popping out of a hole, we have a whole bunch of eye-popping new products coming out.
Yes, we already offer thousands of patio chairs, porch swings, gliders, picnic tables, accent tables, hammocks, garden benches, chaise lounges, and teak screens. But with these fantastic additions, we’ll have the most extensive collection of outdoor furniture available anywhere, beyond the shadow of a doubt!
Yours Outdoors,
Kathy
