"Groundhog Day" the movie put Punxsutawney Phil on the map. Getty Images After the release of the 1993 film starring Bill Murray, attendance to the big event in Punxsutawney exploded, drawing 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 To get in the spirit of Groundhog Day ahead of this year’s prediction—whether you want six more weeks of winter or not—here are 10 fun facts about the holiday. Adobe Stock / Manfredbohn Groundhog Fun Facts. 1. 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. Punxsutawney Phil, the official groundhog of America’s largest Groundhog Day celebration (and costar in the hit movie Groundhog Day), has been alive since, uh, 1887. Or so his website says. Or German settlers brought this tradition to Pennsylvania in the 18th century, where it evolved into what we now know as National Groundhog Day. Punxsutawney Phil – The Official Groundhog. Punxsutawney Phil is the most famous groundhog in the world and serves as the official predictor of National Groundhog Day. However, there’s a lot more to Groundhog Day than the simple facts and folklore everyone knows. For instance, did you know any of the following things about this fun and memorable occasion. The 2001 members of the Groundhog Club’s Inner Circle. Reprinted from Around Punxsutawney by Sr. Anne Frances Pulling (pg.4, Arcadia Publishing, 2001). 1. Here's what you need to know about Groundhog Day. How did Groundhog Day start? According to the Library of Congress , Groundhog Day traces its history back to an 1840 diary entry by an unnamed Y ou probably know the gist of Groundhog Day: Each Feb. 2, America’s most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, emerges from his burrow, and looks for his shadow.If he sees it, the legend goes 6. English is verboten at some Groundhog Day celebrations. Be careful what you say if you happen to attend a Groundhog Day celebration in some parts of Pennsylvania where Pennsylvania Dutch culture is still strong. At many of these gatherings, or Fersommling, speaking English can get you fined, according to pennlive.com — usually a nickel or 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 How did Groundhog Day begin? The first Groundhog Day was celebrated on Feb. 2, 1887, When is Groundhog Day 2025? Everything to know about the holiday. Advertisement. About Our Ads; The annual event has its origin in a German legend about a furry rodent. It roots back to Candlemas Day in Europe with the Christian "festival of lights" that falls on Feb. 2, midway between the When you look at Woodstock's town square today, it looks almost the same as when the movie "Groundhog Day" was being shot. Except there are now more businesses open than back in 1992. Groundhog Day is Sunday, and now is a good time to familiarize yourself before you check out the annual weather forecasting festivals in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Groundhog Toy Figure. Groundhog Hand Puppet. Funko Games: Groundhog Day. Happy Groundhog Day Garden Flag. Groundhog DIY Felt. Groundhog Stickers Ways to Make Learning About Groundhogs Fun If your kids are curious about groundhogs, there’s a good chance you can spot one in fields, forests, or even grassy areas near your home. “I would say it was the catalyst that put Punxsutawney Phil from having 5,000 people come for Groundhog Day to having 35,000 people come for Groundhog Day. Hence, Groundhog Day! 6. Hibernation is similar to being in a coma. When groundhogs hibernate, their heart rates drop to five beats per minute and their body temperature decreases dramatically. 7. The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club hosts a three-day celebration each year for Groundhog Day. How did Groundhog Day begin? The first Groundhog Day was celebrated on Feb. 2, 1887, at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney. The holiday has roots in a few different religions, but it took a similar A look at 17 stories surrounding the film 'Groundhog Day' in January 2023. Skip to main Details on that and more can be found in the below list of 17 Things You Didn't Know About Groundhog Day.
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