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It was 1961 before the groundhog was dubbed “Punxsutawney Phil” and the tradition began to attract a wider audience of about 2,000 people. But the biggest change came following the 1993 Groundhog Day movie starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell (German title: Und täglich grüßt das Murmeltier). The crowds soon swelled to 10,000. 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 (Apparently Groundhog tastes like a cross between pork and chicken. YIKES!) The Groundhog feast eventually faded away (thankfully) but the visit to Gobbler’s Knob continued, and became more ritualistic. Since the release of the film Groundhog Day, the crowd in Punxsutawney has grown from 2000 to over 10,000 visitors. This, of course, is the legendary Groundhog Day, a uniquely North American tradition steeped in folklore and fun. But did you know its roots lie not in snowy fields, but in the sun-drenched meadows of Germany? That’s right, Groundhog Day, with its quirky charm and weather predictions, bears the distinct paw prints of German immigrants. The Pennsylvania Groundhog Club claims that Phil is 132 years old and that he “gets his longevity from drinking ‘groundhog punch.’” We’re happy to know that German settlers brought both a fun tradition and the secret of longevity to the United States! Happy Groundhog Day. By Nicole Glass, German Embassy Germany – Badger Day: In Germany, instead of relying on groundhogs, they turn to badgers for their weather predictions. On February 2nd, Germans observe “Dachstag” or Badger Day. According to folklore, if a badger emerges from its burrow and sees its shadow, it will be frightened and retreat back into hibernation for another six weeks of You say Groundhog Day, I say Grundsaudaag: how German and Swiss settlers in Pennsylvania created a new language – and a much-loved American holiday. In Germany, the equivalent of Groundhog Day is known as Dachstag, translating to “badger day.” Instead of relying on a groundhog, Germans turn to a badger to forecast the weather. According to German folklore, if the badger spots its shadow on Dachstag, it signifies six more weeks of winter. The American tradition of Groundhog Day has its roots in the German religious holiday Mariä Lichtmess, also known as Candlemas. Beginning in the 1840s, German immigrants to Pennsylvania had observed the tradition of a hedgehog predicting the end of winter. They adapted the groundhog as replacement meteorologist since there were no hedgehogs in The biggest celebration takes place in the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania in the United States and its famous little critter Punxsutawney Phil (made famous in the Bill Murray movie about the holiday, called simply Groundhog’s Day). While Groundhog Day isn't a federal holiday in the United States, the traditional observance celebrates the triumph of spring over winter. Groundhog Day is celebrated every year on Feb. 2. This midget38 - I'm thinking it's time to rent Groundhog Day again as Feb. 2nd is rolling around again. Glad you enjoyed the hub, and thanks so much for sharing! Michelle Liew from Singapore on January 19, 2013: I loved the facts and the dirt pie recipe! Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray was a great, funny film. 1993 - Columbia Pictures releases the movie, "Groundhog Day," starring Bill Murray.In the years following the release of the movie, crowds numbering as high as 30,000 have visited Gobbler's Knob Groundhog Day Top Events and Things to Do. Visit Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and see Phil the groundhog in person. Watch the movie Groundhog Day (1993) starring Bill Murray. Host a Groundhog Day party. Record the emergence of Phil from his hole and play it back at the party. Why do we celebrate Groundhog Day? Here's what to know about the history of the oddball winter holiday candle-centric ways to animal-centric ways when Germany joined in and a hedgehog was 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 is also celebrated in other countries, such as Germany, where it is known as "Siebenschläfertag" or "Seven Sleepers Day." In Alaska , instead of a groundhog, they use a marmot to predict the weather on February 2nd. Why do we celebrate Groundhog Day? Here's what to know about the history of the oddball winter holiday candle-centric ways to animal-centric ways when Germany joined in and a hedgehog was Groundhog Day is a popular tradition that takes place in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada. Every year, Groundhog Day is on February 2. Groundhog Day came from the Pennsylvania Dutch. The colonists believed that if a groundhog came out of its burrow and saw its shadow due to clear weather, it would retreat back into Whether Punxsutawney Phil predicts six more weeks of winter or early spring, there’s no better way to celebrate than with Groundhog Day crafts. These hands-on activities are an excellent way to bring the fun of the holiday to life while encouraging kids to learn, play, and create.
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