Die Grundsau / The Groundhog

This poem was written by John Birmelin (1873–1950) and published in the Allentown Morning Call originally on February 1, 1936 (p. 3). It evokes nicely the symbolic importance of the groundhog in Pennsylvania Dutch culture, especially the respect for the wisdom and knowledge that come from practical experience rather than book learning.

 

Die Grundsau kummt gewehnlich raus am zwette Daag im Hanning;

Vum Wedder wees sie meh wie mir un hot doch gaar ken Lanning.

Nau wann sie do ken Schadde sehnt, dann watt des Wedder schee,

Doch scheint die Sunn, dann wees sie schun, mer griege widder Schnee.

 

The groundhog usually comes out on the second day in February;

It knows more about the weather than we do and yet has no education.

Now if it doesn’t see its shadow here, then the weather will get nice,

But if the sun shines, then it knows we will get snow again.