Nature's Winter Predictions: Woolly worms, persimmons seeds
An all-brown woolly worm is said to mean an easy winter/longer-lasting fall. One with a black head and a brown body is said to be a sign of a rough start to winter followed by milder weather until spring.
As the days grow shorter and temperatures begin to drop, folks start wondering what kind of winter weather is right around the corner. Will we see lots of snow and ice, or will it be a mild season? It has long been said that there are ways to tell through the environment and critters that are also preparing.
One old-fashioned method of predicting winter weather involves a locally harvested persimmon seed. Carefully cut open a seed and take a look at the shape inside. Some say that a spoon shape means that there will be plenty of snow to shovel, while a fork points to a winter of raking up leaves. A knife, on the other hand, is said to represent bitter cold and sharp ice.
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Others might look to the woolly worm for winter predictions. The caterpillar is a familiar sight in late autumn throughout Floyd as it makes its way toward a sheltered spot such as a leaf or woodpile. Eventually, it will emerge as an Isabella tiger moth, but before then, its fuzzy black and amber body could offer a hint of what's to come.
According to folklore, the head of the woolly worm symbolizes the beginning of the winter months, and the backside represents the last of the season. An all-brown woolly worm is said to mean an easy winter/longer-lasting fall. One with a black head and a brown body is said to be a sign of a rough start to winter followed by milder weather until spring. And an all-black woolly worm? Some believe that means a tough winter ahead with plenty of snow and ice.
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Of course, these traditions are part of weather folklore. There’s no reliable scientific evidence to back them up, but it’s fun to see what nature might be telling us and how our ancestors readied for the winter.
What do you think? Do you have a favorite way of predicting the winter weather?
Have you heard other old-time sayings or noticed signs in nature that seem to get it right? We’d love to hear your thoughts about what Mother Nature has in store for us this coming winter. Share your predictions by emailing editor@floydtimes.com, and let’s see what the season brings!
