Become a champion of local news and unlock additional benefits as a LebTown member, like exclusive members-only emails, access to comments, invitations to members-only events, and more. Already a member? Login here. Sunday, Feb. So the local marmot, lovingly maintained by Union Kanaal Grundsau Lodsch 17, broke his hibernation Saturday morning, Feb.
A crowd of dozens gathered on the cold but sunny morning for the free event, with coffee, donuts, and camaraderie to share. Uni is short for Union CanalβTulpehocken Creek being once part of the titanic transportation corridor which coursed for a time through Lebanon County, its imprint still visible at numerous sites, including the historic hand-hewn tunnel just north of Lebanon city. The float might last just few minutes, but all the while Uni is kept safe as he is towed down the creek, the watchful eye of lodge members ensuring the rodent stays dry for his forecast.
A big part of that preservation is carrying forward the Pennsylvania Dutch dialect, which directly descended from the language of German, French, and Swiss immigrants to the region in the s and s.
After finishing his float, Uni was lifted to his prognostication pedestal of choice β a picnic table in the park β where he began his annual snapshot analysis of the sun. According to lodge members, Uni has never been wrong since his forecasts began in Fittingly, the forecast is delivered yearly first in Pennsylvania Dutch, and then translated for the rest of us.
Then, the forecast was made. Since Uni saw his shadow this year, the meteorological outlook is thus: Six more weeks of winter. The groundhog has spoken. Groundhog Day β although observed throughout North America and popularized by the movie starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell β has deep roots in the Pennsylvania Dutch tradition.
