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Groundhog Day originated from an ancient European tradition called Candlemas Day, where clergy would bless candles and distribute them to ward off the darkness of winter. The first official Groundhog Day celebration took place on February 2, 1887, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. 2. The first official Groundhog Day was celebrated in 1887. The inaugural Groundhog Day was celebrated on Feb 2, 1887, at Gobbler’s Knob, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Conceived by a newspaper editor and the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, it featured Phil, the groundhog, as the weather forecaster. Explore Groundhog Day's shadowy history as well as interesting facts about the custom. By: History.com Staff Updated: January 30, 2024 | Original: February 2, 2012 Every Feb. 2 millions can't help but wait and see if a groundhog, most specifically Punxsutawney Phil, saw his shadow or not which in turn determines winter's extension or spring's early arrival. The first official Groundhog Day took place on February 2, 1887, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The event took up permanent residence at Gobbler’s Knob the following year. The observance of Groundhog Day in the United States first occurred in German communities in Pennsylvania, according to known records. The earliest mention of Groundhog Day is an entry on February 2, 1840, in the diary of James L. Morris of Morgantown, in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, according to the book on the subject by Don Yoder. This was a Groundhog Day is an offshoot of the Christian celebration of Candlemas, which is held every February 2—exactly 40 days after Christmas. In parts of Europe, it was believed that a sunny Candlemas PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. -- Here's a look at Groundhog Day, an American tradition that is meant to predict when spring will arrive. Facts. The groundhog emerges from its burrow on February 2. If the 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 has been celebrated in the United States since at least February 2, 1886. Starting in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, with its now-famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, the tradition spread throughout America. Groundhog Day weather predictions were added to this list, as captured in an article in The Miami Herald from February 2, 1943, where forecaster H. A Downes stated that ‘ To broadcast that a groundhog does or doesn’t see his shadow might reveal sky conditions to the enemy. Video above: Rare albino groundhog spotted in the Susquehanna Valley.The Groundhog Day celebration at Gobbler's Knob started in 1887. Aside from a 10-year gap, records for each prognostication Amazing Groundhog Day Facts For Kids 2025. Punxsutawney Phil is the well-known groundhog who foretells the weather in Pennsylvania’s Punxsutawney. Tradition has it that winter will continue for an additional six weeks if a groundhog sees its shadow on February 2. Groundhog Club handler A.J. Dereume holds Punxsutawney Phil during the 138th celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, Friday, Feb. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger) While Germans don’t celebrate Groundhog Day, they do celebrate a holiday they call Dachstag on February 2. The history of Groundhog Day goes back hundreds of years to an old European tradition that involved watching for animals to come out of their hibernation in order to predict the weather. According to tradition, if Punxsutawney Phil sees 5 things you probably didn't know about Groundhog Day. Fun facts about rodents' favorite holiday. Share Copy Link. Copy {copyShortcut} to copy Link copied! Updated: 6:21 AM EST Feb 2, 2024 Chelsea Every Feb. 2, Americans celebrate Groundhog Day and eagerly wait to know whether the furry animal’s forecast. Here are facts about Groundhog Day. As the myth of Groundhog Day goes, if a groundhog sees its shadow on February 2, winter will last another six weeks. And while Punxsutawney Phil’s handlers maintain 100 percent accuracy in his Entertainment; Groundhog Day 2025 facts: 7 things you need to know before the prediction. Published: Jan. 28, 2025, 7:31 a.m. That’s only 2% higher than the national average of 37%. Currently, the most accurate groundhog prognosticator lives in Yellowknife, California and has a 50% accuracy rate. 7. Groundhog Day was almost Badger Day instead. Groundhog Day originally evolved from Candlemas, a celebration of both literal and religious light.
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