A Groundhog Day Trivia Quiz

Ground hog Day has grown to a huge, four day celebration Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, with magic shows, concerts, and dances, all leading up to that moment on February 2 when Phil takes a peek outside his burrow and lets us know whether there will be 6 more weeks of winter, if he sees his shadow, or an early spring, if he doesn't. (Check out Groundhog.org for a complete schedule of events). Phil even has his own wedding chapel, where you can get hitched on Groundhog Day between 9 am and 2 pm by the Mayor. Here are some trivia questions about Groundhog Day.

The groundhog is actually a member of the rodent family of mammals. What are some other names for the groundhog?

When was Groundhog Day first celebrated?

What is the name of the specific location where Phil emerges and looks for his shadow?

Groundhog Day is also the name of a 1993 comedy film in which Bill Murray played a TV weatherman sent to cover Groundhog Day and finds himself stuck in a time warp where everyday is Groundhog Day. What song is heard every morning on his clock radio?

February 2 is also a religious holiday in the Christian church. What is the name of this holiday?

Here are the answers.

According to Wikipedia, the groundhog, also known as the woodchuck, land beaver or whistlepig, is a rodent belonging to the group of large ground squirrels known as marmots. It is found in most of North America and common in the northeastern and central United States. Groundhogs are seen as far north as Alaska, and as far south as Alabama.

Pennsylvania's official celebration of Groundhog Day began on February 2nd, 1886. However, earlier references to Groundhog Day date back to 1841.

Gobbler's Knob, a park just outside Punxsutawney, is the spot where Phil emerges from his burrow to look for his shadow.

In the movie "Groundhog Day" every morning started with Bill Murray's clock radio playing "I Got You, Babe", Sonny and Cher's top selling hit song of 1965.

On February 2, Candlemas Day is observed in the Christian religion. The observation of Caldlemas occurs 40 days after Christmas, and marks the presentation of Christ in the temple, as well as the purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. According to an old English poem, "If Candlemas be fair and bright, Winter has another flight. If Candlemas bring clouds and rain,Winter will not come again." (Courtesy of www.stormfax.com).

Happy Groundhog Day!