The question that has occupied philosophers from time immemorial is:  What do groundhogs and crepes have in common?

The answer, weirdly enough, is that they are both associated with Candlemas, a Catholic holiday (which in turn was possibly celebrated on February 2nd in order to subvert the pagan celebration of the goddess Brighid, but that's another story).

According to Wikipedia: In the United Kingdom, good weather at Candlemas is taken to indicate severe winter weather later: "If Candlemas Day is clear and bright, / winter will have another bite. / If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain, / winter is gone and will not come again.". It is also alleged to be the date that bears emerge from hibernation to inspect the weather as well as wolves, who if they choose to return to their lairs on this day is interpreted as meaning severe weather will continue for another forty days at least. In the United States and Canada, Candlemas evolved into Groundhog Day celebrated on the same date. 

In France, Candlemas (French: La Chandeleur) is celebrated with crêpes, which must be eaten only after eight p.m. If the cook can flip a crêpe while holding a coin in the other hand, the family is assured of prosperity throughout the coming year

So there's that mystery cleared up.  February 2nd is also the celebration of Yemaja, the Sea Goddess, originally of the Yoruba religion, though now she is celebrated in many variant names and manifestations in Afro-American religions throughout the world.  

So you can grab a groundhog and some crepes, hop into your yacht and head out to sea for your celebration.  Or you can stay home and let the I.W.H. cater the entire event with songs about groundhogs, crepes & pancakes, and sea-worship.

Tuesday 2/2/10  8-10PM

REBROADCAST Friday midnight after P5K