Groundhog Day 2009: Did Punxsutawney Phil See His Shadow?
Despite freezing temperatures, thousands gathered at Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania (a borough of over 6,000 people located about 65 miles northeast of Pittsburgh) today to witness Phil emerge from his burrow and issue his famous forecast (which, considering how long and harsh this winter has been, comes as very bad news indeed to many).
The origin of Groundhog Day is rooted in a German tradition that advances the belief that on the Christian holiday of Candlemas (which falls on February 2) hibernating animals can predict weather conditions. More specifically, if the animal casts a shadow, then winter will last for six more weeks. If no shadow is seen, spring will arrive early.
Groundhog Day 2009: Where Else is it Observed?
Though arguably the most famous and high-profile modern-day observance of Groundhog Day occurs in Punxsutawney (pronounced Punks-uh-TAW-nee), the ritual is observed in other places as well. For example, did you know that Groundhog Day is observed in Canada? In fact, Canada has it's own version of Puxsutawney Phil. His name is Wiarton Willie, and not surprisingly, he hails from the town of Wiarton in Bruce County Ontario, where a Groundhog Day festival is held each year. The Wiarton festival draws throngs of revelers and members of the media who eagerly await Wiarton Willie's prediction. In addition, various contests and dances are held in honor of the event.
Punxsutawney is not the only town in Pennsylvania where Groundhog Day is celebrated. It also takes place in Schuylkill County, Quarryville, and Bucks County. Outside of Pennsylvania, Groundhog Day in the United States is observed in locations in Maryland and the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. And according to Wikipedia, it is celebrated "among the Amish populations of over twenty states and Canada."
For those of you who are experiencing a harsh winter, let's hope that next year Puxsutawney Phil predicts an early spring.
Sources:
Punxsutawney Phil sees shadow on Groundhog Day 2009; six more weeks of winter, Helena Sung, examiner.com, February 2, 2009
Goundhog Day, Wikipedia
Groundhog Day in Canada, time and date.com
Published by Hartley Engel
I was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada but raised in Los Angeles, California. I have a BA and MsEd degree from USC. View profile
- Groundhog Day: Myth or Fact? A theory behind the legends of Groundhog Day.
-
Groundhog's Day on February 2 - and Punxsutawney Phil
On February 2, a famous groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil, will make his annual announcement on the arrival of spring.
- Groundhog Day & the Religious Connection As a day on which creatures emerge from hibernation, Groundhog Day is more than a day to observe Punxsutawaney Phil.
- Groundhog Day Printable Coloring Sheets, Crafts and Activities Links to websites offering printable coloring sheets, crafts, activities and online activities for Groundhog Day.
-
Groundhog Day Activities for Children
Groundhog Day will "pop up" before you know up. Get ready with these fun Groundhog Day activities for children.
- Punxsutawney Phil Makes 2009 Groundhog Day Prediction, Differs from Other Groundhogs
- Punxsutawney Phil Brings Us More Winter on Groundhog Day 2009
- Punxsutawney Phil Saw His Shadow; General Lee Did Not -- Six Weeks of Bad Weather...
- Punxsutawney Phil Will Text His Groundhog Day Prediction
- Groundhog Day: Staten Island Chuck
- Free Punxsutawney Phil Lesson Plan: Free Groundhog Day Printables, Coloring Pages,...
- Groundhog Day Activities
|
|
6 Comments
Post a CommentI've always wanted to know why his name isn't Punxsutawney Pete -- wouldn't that sound better?
And if the sun is out, wouldn't that be a better indicator of the weather trend? I don't get Groundhog Day, and I never have. But then, I don't live on the east coast. Fun article tho.
aw man that sucks i kinda want spring to come but it's weird in the summer time i really wanted winter but now i want spring to come!!!!!!!
Great tips.
Indeed he did.
Indeed he did.
now i am mad it is not going to be warm for another 6 weeks