This morning I heard a brief clip on CNN radio news of the crowd waiting for Punxatawney Phil to appear. For those who live outside of America news that a crowd was waiting for a groudhog named Punxatawney Phil to appear may seem ridiculous. Well, ridiculousness and high spirits are part of the American tradition, so let the frivolity begin.
This clip, however, sounded more than raucous. The people sounded positively paganistic to my ears. That is, they didn't sound like they were simply having fun. They sounded as if they really believed in the furry weather predictor. (If Phil sees his shadow, the custom goes, there will be six more weeks of winter.) I've never taken Punxatawney Phil seriously and have always enjoyed the harmless chicanery. But this group was another matter. What's next -- seances to dispel the total eclipse of the sun?
The erstwhile and esteemed Phil, by the way, did indeed see his shadow this morning, presaging a solid six more weeks of winter. Thanks for the "heads up", Phil.
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