My Dutch and international readers may not have realized this, but today is Groundhog Day.  It's a very special day.  It's the day on which we honor one of the world's great rodents:  the groundhog -- that wonderful woodland creature also known as the woodchuck, the land beaver, the whistle-pig.  Its geographic range may be limited to specific sections of the North American continent, but its world-wide impact in the hearts and minds of millions of people cannot be overlooked.  Nor should it be overlooked.  Of course, that's why we celebrate Groundhog Day.

This is that one day of the year that we remember groundhogs' valuable and varied contribution to our civilization.  And indeed, where would our world be without the groundhog?  Just think of all the inventions, the discoveries, the works of art, the political movements, the heroic battles waged by groundhogs... Just - think - about - it.  Golly, I'm glad we have Groundhog Day to stop and reflect upon the meaning of it all...

Seriously though (follow this link to read the more standard explanation of Groundhog Day), isn't it strange that there are certain occasions which, when you really think about it, are absolutely ridiculous to observe -- and yet everyone from a particular culture knows that a certain date on the calendar represents that certain event?  Ask any American what holiday is celebrated on the 2nd of February, and chances are that they'll respond immediately and casually:  "Groundhog Day."  It's kind of similar with the Dutch celebration of Dierendag (Animal Day) on the 4th of October.  Our understanding of these dates is automatic -- even if it's ludicrous.  It must be some simple combination of a very tangible image (like a fuzzy groundhog, or whatever animal people think of on Dierendag), together with an empty stretch on the calendar that doesn't require any other memory recall.

At any rate, I wish you a very happy Groundhog Day.  And many happy returns of the day.