The Bear Went Over the Mountain

Song: The Bear Went Over The Mountain

The bear went over the mountain
The bear went over the mountain
The bear went over the mountain
To see what he could see

The other side of the mountain
The other side of the mountain
The other side of the mountain
Was all that he could see

This song, sung to the tune of 'He's a jolly good fellow' has long been popular with children. Its a fun play song that groups of children and adults like to chant together. Years ago when my family heard the song on the radio, we all joined in singing along.

I had never associated weather with the song, but checking its origin on the internet, Wikipedia states the song may have its origin in an old Germanic tradition much like Groundhog Day. When a bear came out of his lair to see if the weather was clear, hibernation was over. If unable able to see the other side of the mountain, it returned to the lair for another six weeks.

Groundhog day is celebrated on Feb 2nd . If the groundhog emerges from its burrow on a sunny day and is frightened by its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If the day is cloudy, Spring will be early.

Wikipedia lists the names of groundhogs that various cities and states use to predict spring. One of the more famous groundhogs is Punxsutawney Phil, from Pennsylvania who is widely televised on all the news networks. Viewers assume his prediction applies to one and all, but not so. The other groundhogs have predictions pertaining to their locations.



Bear