Groundhogs and Straw Bears play a key role this time of year. The blizzard Jonas has left the Mid-Atlantic covered in a thick blanket of snow. Needless to say, when the groundhog did not see his shadow this morning, those still embalmed in snow were near cheering at the thought of an early spring. In the Mid-Atlantic, USA and North East, we are more than ready to ‘drive the cold winter away’ (to quote a Loreena McKennit holiday song). [youtube video_id=”jWXuxjzpx6M?list=PLLMItCRW7ryw5X_k7mfjVvHIPj4WMS6zP” width=”640″ height=”360″ ][youtube video_id=”” width=”640″ height=”260″ ]
What does the Green Man have to do with this, you ask?
The Green Man represents birth, death and rebirth in all facets. Particularly in nature. There is a classic battle between winter and summer with the Holly King and Oak King. Today is Groundhog’s Day or Imbolc by pagans and wicccans. It is the waning of winter and the beginning of Spring. In several cultures, from this February day throughout the Lenten season, it is definitely time to drive the cold winter away. It is time for the Straw Bear and other Jack in the Green like figures to drive winter away to permit the beginning of Spring to arrive. Even with the recent blizzard, snowdrops are pushing through the snow and gracing the mid-Atlantic with early signs of Spring.
