Wiarton Willie does not see his shadow! Spring 2012 will come early!

Wiarton Willie does not see his shadow!

Wiarton is in the midst of celebrating the 56th annual prognostication by it's own famous Wiarton Willie. The Albino groundhog did not see his shadow on this cloudy and overcast day, foreshadowing an early spring.

If you want to partake in the celebration, it continues in Wiarton until Feb 5th.

The genesis of this tradition was in Germany as conquering Roman legions brought the tradition of Candlemas to the land. Germans decided to transfer the tradition to hedgehogs. If a Hedgehog saw it's shadow, winter would be at least six weeks longer, if a hedgehog did not see its shadow, winter was almost over.

German settlers in Pennsylvania transferred the tradition to groundhogs. Punxutawney Phil roots date back to 1887. Earlier this morning, Phil did see his shadow, forecasting at least six more weeks of winter.

Christian clergy would distribute candles on Candelmas Day (February 2nd) celebrating the end of winter. An English proverb stated "If Candlemas be fair and bright, Come, Winter, have another flight. If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, Go winter, and come not again".

Other North American prognosticators include Nova Scotia's Shubenacadie Sam, who did not see his shadow this morning, and Alberta's Balzac Billy, who did see his shadow.

Those wanting an early spring will support Sam and Willie's prognostications, those wanting a longer winter will support the prognostications of Phil and Billy.

What would you like?