In Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania on February 2 every year, a groundhog will emerge from his burrow and determine if spring will come early, or if winter will keep raging on. This is known nationally as Groundhog Day. While Punxsutawney Phil is arguably the most famous groundhog, there are places all over the country that also celebrate with their own groundhogs. But why do people participate in Groundhog Day, and how did it start?
The idea of Groundhog Day is simple. If the groundhog sees its shadow, then there will be six more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow, it could be an early forecast of spring. The infamous notoriety of Punxsutawney Phil became even more nationally known after the film Groundhog Day was released in 1993, and he has been a constant in our lives since.
The first official Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney was in 1887, at Gobbler’s Knob. Its roots are found in the Christian holiday known as Candlemas, which is the midway point between seasons. Christians would light candles and predict how long the winter would last. The German Christians maintained this holiday as Badger Day, in which a badger was the predictor of weather. It is also a tradition derived from the Pennsylvania Dutch, as the tradition was observed by early Dutch immigrants to the Americas. However, there is some evidence from early Pennsylvania Dutch Country that suggests it took place as far back as 1840.
While the most notorious, there are more groundhogs across the country that also come out for this historic tradition. On the 2 of February every year, Stonewall Jackson at the Space Farms Zoo and Museum casts his predictions in New Jersey, and Great Neck Greta in Long Island, New York also appears. French Creek Freddie in West Virginia casts his vote as well, with the holiday also being celebrated in Canada. Several groundhogs make their appearances in French Canada, Quebec, Wiarton, Quebec, and the Vancouver Islands.
Whether anyone thinks these groundhogs will see or will not see their shadow, it is a safe guarantee that there is also next year to place their bets on. Groundhog Day does not seem like it is going anywhere anytime soon and seems to be gaining popularity each year it comes around. Make sure to tune in at 6:00am EST to the local news channels on February 2 to participate in this historic holiday!
