Groundhog Explained

Groundhog Day (Pennsylvania German: Grund'sau dåk, Grundsaudaag, Grundsow Dawg, Murmeltiertag; Lunenburg, Nova Scotia: Daks Day) [1][2][3] is a tradition observed regionally in the United States and Canada on February 2 of every year. It derives from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day and sees its shadow, it will retreat to its den and. Groundhog Day, in the United States and Canada, day (February 2) on which the emergence of the groundhog from its burrow is said to foretell the weather for the following six weeks.

In the United States the most popular event occurs in Pennsylvania and centers on a groundhog designated Punxsutawney Phil. Groundhog Day predictions about the coming of spring put the spotlight on Punxsutawney Phil every Feb. 2, but celebrating the midpoint between the shortest and darkest day of the year and the spring equinox has ancient roots in European agricultural life.

Punxsutawney Phil is far from the only groundhog whose human handlers make annual announcements about whether they've seen their own. The theory goes that if the groundhog emerges from its burrow, sees its shadow because of the clear weather and scurries back into its den, there will be 6 more weeks of winter. If the groundhog emerges and doesn't see its shadow because it is cloudy, then we will enjoy an early spring.

Here's a look at Groundhog Day, an American tradition that is meant to predict when spring will arrive. See how the groundhog became a symbol for predicting seasonal changes in America, rooted in German folklore with a badger. Why do we celebrate Groundhog Day? Here's what to know about the history of the oddball winter holiday The holiday began as a part of the Christian celebration of Candlemas Day in Europe.

The first Groundhog Day celebration in Punxsutawney was the brainchild of local newspaper editor Clymer Freas, who sold a group of businessmen and groundhog hunters. Today's Tradition Today, Groundhog Day remains what it was when the tradition first came to our shores and found its way to Punxsutawney. A day to take everything a little less seriously, and break up the winter monotony at least for a little while!

What's the history of Groundhog Day - February 2 each year - and what is the connection to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania? Find out here!