Ground Hog Day when Punxsutawney Phil Sings Me and My Shadow
What is Groundhog Day All About?
Groundhog Day is held in the United States and Canada. According to folklore, on Groundhog Day if a groundhog comes out of its burrow and doesn't see its shadow, it will leave and winter ends soon. If the groundhog sees its shadow, it will retreat and winter forges on for six more weeks.
What is a Groundhog?
The groundhog is a rodent in the Sciuridae family. The groundhog belongs to a ground of large groun squirrels. Famous groundhogs include Punxsutawney Phil of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, Staten Island Chuck and Wiarton Willie. Sometimes groundhogs are referred to as woodchucks.
When Did Groundhog Day Start?
Groundhog Day started as as a Pennsylvania German custom during the 18th and 19th centuries. It has origins in ancient European weather lure involving a bear or a badger instead of a groundhog. Groundhog Day also has similarities to the medieval Catholic holiday Candlemas. Groundhog Day origins can date back to the Imbolc, a Pagan festival on February 2 involving the seasonal turning point of the Celtic calendar.
Where Is The Biggest Groundhog Day Celebration?
The biggest Groundhog Day celebration is held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Crowds as large as 40,000 have gathered in this spot to observe the groundhog since 1886. Groundhog celebrations are held throughout Pennsylvania including Lancaster County and Bucks County. The University of Dallas in Irving, Texas takes Groundhog Day as an official university holidays with a huge celebration every year. Other large Groundhog Day celebrations occur in Maryland and Virginia.
Groundhog Day Quotes
According to Wikipedia, an early American reference to Groundhog Day found in the diary of Pennsylvania storekeeper James Morris from February 5, 1841:
"Last Tuesday, the 2nd, was Candlemas day, the day on which, according to the Germans, the Groundhog peeps out of his winter quarters and if he sees his shadow he pops back for another six weeks nap, but if the day be cloudy he remains out, as the weather is to be moderate."
A few quotes from the famous movie Groundhog Day that put the holiday on the world map. Groundhog Day was made in 1993 starring Bill Murray. Weatherman Phil Connors finds himself reliving the same dreaded day and assignments over and over again on Groundhog Day. These Groundhog Day quotes are from the character Phil Connors:
"This is one time where television really fails to capture the true excitement of a large squirrel predicting the weather."
"You gotta want it."
"You like boats but not the ocean."
Groundhog Day Activities and Printables for Kids
With my daughter's question this morning in mind, here are a few Groundhog Day activities and Groundhog Day printables for kids:
Click on Groundhog Day for a fun toilet paper roll craft for kids 3 and up.
Click on Groundhog Day for 10 coloring pages dedicated to the holiday.
Click on Groundhog Day for a full page of websites with activities for kids from preschool to preteen and beyond.
Do you think the groundhog will see its shadow or not? Personally, I'm ready for winter to end! Happy Groundhog Day everyone!
Published by Stacey Doyle
Freelance writer, veteran's wife and mom with a background in finance, law, marketing and management. View profile
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