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 The US tradition of the groundhog Punxsutawney Phil emerging on 2 February to herald spring has fascinating origins – and creature parallels across Europe. United Kingdom. While the United Kingdom does not have a tradition that closely resembles Groundhog Day as celebrated in North America, it does have its own weather-related folklore and traditions that mark the changing of seasons. One such tradition is related to St. Swithin’s Day, which falls on July 15th. Groundhog Day, the US tradition where the seasons are predicted by a groundhog, was made world famous by the Bill Murray film of the same name. But did you know the tradition's origins lie in Europe? Before the movie Groundhog Day, around 2,000 people would come to Punxsutawney to see Phil, but after it was released in 1993 it has pulled crowds of up to 40,000. After the ceremony, people A Groundhog is a small, furry animal that looks like a mixture of a squirrel and a badger. According to the tradition, each year one of the furry creatures can predict when spring will arrive. Groundhog Day is a widely celebrated tradition in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada. Every year on February 2nd, people eagerly await the emergence of a groundhog from its burrow to predict the arrival of spring. However, this unique holiday is not limited to just these two countries. Uncover the history of Groundhog Day and why a groundhog predicts the end of winter in While today may not seem like a significant day in the UK, for folks in a small town in Pennsylvania it is huge – for February 2 is the time to celebrate Groundhog Day. Groundhog Day evolved from religious and secular traditions aimed at providing hope amidst unpredictability. Despite technological advances, psychologically, we are still beholden to forces That's right: Groundhog Day is just around the corner, so here is everything you need to know about the tradition and how to celebrate. Groundhog Day is observed in the U.S. and Canada on Feb. 2 Where does the phrase ‘Groundhog Day’ come from? Every February 2nd, the United States and Canada celebrate Groundhog Day to check up on Punxsutawney Phil and see whether he saw his shadow this year. Supposedly, if the Pennsylvanian groundhog sees his shadow, North America can expect 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 United Kingdom Holidays in 2025. Date Name Type / Location; Wednesday, Jan 1. New Year's Day: Groundhog Day February 02, 2025. National Pizza Day February 09, 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. It’s not a national paid holiday but a day of reflection and service. The Ottawa municipal government in Ontario officially began observing the national holiday on Jan. 26, 2005. There are a number of speeches and events held across the city, though the day itself will provide only a time for personal reflection on the activist’s life. Originally, Groundhog Day was a Celtic festival marking the year’s first cross-quarter day, or a midpoint between seasons. Read more about the ancient Celtic calendar here. Celebrated at the beginning of February, the day was called Imbolc —a term from Old Irish that is most often translated as “in the belly”—a reference to the soon Groundhog Day is celebrated in Canada and the United States every year on 2 February. Legend has it that watching a groundhog emerge from its burrow can determine the weather forecast for the coming weeks.
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