Happy Groundhog Day! I’m not sure why, but I always liked Groundhog Day as a kid. I’m sure we did things like make groundhog puppets and read groundhog books; it was fun. The idea that a large rodent could control the weather just by seeing or not seeing his shadow is fanciful and the stuff of childlike imagination. As an adult, I realize how ridiculous this holiday must seem to those who do not live in the United States, but I still find it charming. And it got me thinking that there must be similar holidays in other countries. So here are a few that I found just as peculiar and delightful as Groundhog Day.

Sretenje
Srentenja is celebrated on February 2, like Groundhog Day, in Serbia. But instead of a groundhog, Serbians look to a bear to forecast the weather. If he sees his shadow, then there is  more winter ahead.

Dachstag
Yet another weather-forcasting holiday is Dachstag in Germany. Again, the tradition is seeing a shadow as the foretelling of more winter, but this time it’s a badger instead of a groundhog.

La Chandeleur
La Chandeleur is celebrated in France as a day dedicated to eating crêpes. It is believed that by successfully flipping a crêpe while holding a coin in one hand and making a wish at the same time ensures prosperity for the rest of the year.

Noche de Rabanos
Noche de Rabanos, or Night of the Radishes is celebrated in Oaxaca, Mexico. People create intricate carvings out of radishes, similar to how we carve pumpkins for Halloween.

La Tomatina
La Tomatina is a giant tomato fight that takes place in Spain every year on the last Wednesday of August.

So whether we predict the weather with animals, or celebrate a particular vegetable or fruit,find delight in the silly traditions and holidays in your life. If they bring you joy, who cares how crazy they sound.