H was very surprised to hear that the pageantry associated with Groundhog Day is believed to be steeped in traditional German rites of Spring. Americans apparently excuse their silly behaviour by offering that the Pennsylvania Dutch came from the old world for the freedom to celebrate Imbolc in the way that Thor intended, without fear of persecution. I suspect that the whole notion is another example of patrician ridicule for those who dragged their feet when converting from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar, like April Fools' day. Today certainly felt like Spring, however, and I hope the vermin didn't spy its shadow. I bet H was as surprised to hear of the German influence as I was to find out that Germans believe there is a mandate for an ornament, some representation of a pickle on every American Christmas tree. "A Gurken?," I said. Yes, hidden somewhere apparently, like the word "Mini" on the picture-puzzles of the Mini-Page or like the allegory in Leonardo's paintings in the Da Vinci Code. I'll find the Holy Grail yet.
