Groundhog Day?

Some of us are waiting anxiously to see whether Wiarton Willie sees his shadow today.  If he comes out of his burrow this morning in sunlight we "know" that spring is just around the corner.  If he doesn't see his shadow, well, six more weeks of winter...(or is it the other way around?)

The reference book, 2107 CURIOUS WORD ORIGINS, SAYINGS & EXPRESSIONS tells us that we should properly call this largest member of the squirrel family a marmot, or even a woodchuck, for "there is definitely nothing hoggish about him. (Or her, as the case may be.)"  The word woodchuck may come from the Dutch aardvark, earth pig or hog, an animal of South Africa "which has similar burrowing propensities."
Earth pig, woodchuck or Marmot, we will be watching.  Actually, "Marmot Day" doesn't seem unreasonable; has a rather lyrical sound!

~ Charles Earle, Galahad Books, 1993.

Update:  Wiarton Willie DID NOT see his shadow today.  He is predicting six more weeks of winter?