The Original Groundhog Day Involved Eating the Groundhog 3 minute read Cloudy, one of the groundhogs at Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield, IL., on Groundhog Day 2002. Groundhog was so much of a culinary delicacy in Punxsutawney at the time that the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that “woodchuck steak” was the “gastronomical climax” of a banquet held in The scene at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, on Groundhog Day, 1973. Getty Images/Bettman. “Groundhogs are eating organic produce out of the garden,” Bergo says. The Groundhog Day tradition dates back to Germany where a badger was used to determine the coming of spring. DamianKuzdak/Getty Images Places like Missouri, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin have 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 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. It is now celebrated all over, and not just with groundhogs. The origins of Groundhog Day and its food traditions. Groundhog Day is a popular tradition in North America that falls on February 2nd. The origins of this event can be traced back to the ancient pagan festival of Imbolc, which marked the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. An unusual, yet beloved holiday February 2nd is Groundhog Day, the day when a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil predicts whether or not we will have six more weeks of winter. If he sees his shadow, more cold is on the way; if not, warmer weather is coming. While this holiday may seem like a silly tradition, it has a surprisingly deep history. Ancient Traditions Every year on February 2, crowds gather at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to watch a groundhog emerge for the day—just like in the classic Bill Murray film Groundhog Day. You The first official Groundhog Day celebration took place on February 2, 1887, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The annual ritual has roots in pre-Christian traditions and was brought to the U.S. by When is Groundhog Day 2025? Groundhog Day will take place Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025. Thousands will show up in person, with the grounds to Gobblers Knob opening at 4 a.m., and millions will tune in to see if Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow. More: Where to watch Bill Murray's 1993 classic movie 'Groundhog Day' for Groundhog Day. What is From the Recipe Creator: Many split pea soups use ham and bacon for good, smoky flavor. Taking it one amazing step farther-add crabmeat. Freeze this one without toppings (freeze the cooked bacon separately), then reheat soup in a saucepan. GROUNDHOG DAY is NOW PLAYING and can be found to Rent or Buy here: jaded Pittsburgh weatherman finds himself inexpli Groundhog Day is an "unusual holiday," according to the Farmers Almanac, that dates back centuries to European traditions. It was originally a Celtic festival marking the year’s first cross 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. Here's what you need Coming in 2025 – For the first time there will be a 5K Groundhog Day Run. Run through Woodstock and go past some of the places in the movie. Run past the bowling alley, piano teacher’s house, movie theater and Pennsylvanian Hotel. 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 Dressed sharply in a top hat and bow tie, Orphie has made annual predictions since 1926, with a record of 73 predictions (79%) for six more weeks of winter and 19 (21%) for an early spring. The Legacy of Groundhog Day. Groundhog Day’s enduring popularity stems from its combination of folklore, community spirit, and humor. It offers a moment of levity in the depths of winter and connects people to nature and the changing seasons. Bill Murray Groundhog Day. The holiday gained additional cultural significance with the 1993 film What Do Groundhogs Eat? Groundhogs mainly eat flowers, berries, and herbs like wild lettuce. When they’re fattening up for hibernation, they can eat as much as 20% of their body weight in a single day. For a human, that would be like eating a large pizza every hour from sunrise to sunset.
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