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. 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 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. As early as 1910, stories about the town’s Groundhog Day commemorations began to appear in newspapers around the country. Print—and later radio and television—reporters began to make annual 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 11. The original Groundhog Day involved eating Groundhogs. In the early Groundhog Days of the 19th century, including the first celebration in 1887, Punxsutawney Phil’s ancestors were not only forecasters but also part of the menu. 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. It is credited to a local newspaper editor, Clymer Freas, who coined the name Groundhog Day. Originally, this celebration involved eating groundhog dishes. To date, the most famous Groundhog Day celebration is held in Pennsylvania. 4. Why February 2? Celebrating Groundhog Day on February 2 is not a random pick. The original Groundhog Day involved eating groundhogs. PeopleImages // Getty Images. After sightseers celebrated Punxsutawney Phil's weather prediction in 1886, they all headed over to Gobbler's 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. 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. GROUNDHOG DAY is NOW PLAYING and can be found to Rent or Buy here: jaded Pittsburgh weatherman finds himself inexpli 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 10. Once cooked, let the groundhog rest for a few minutes before serving. Now that you know how to cook groundhog, let’s address some common questions you may have: 1. Is groundhog meat safe to eat? Yes, groundhog meat is safe to eat as long as it is handled, cooked, and stored correctly. 2. What does groundhog taste like? 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 12. Can you eat groundhog during any time of the year? Groundhog meat can be consumed throughout the year. However, many people associate eating groundhog with the celebration of Groundhog Day. *Can you eat groundhog?* Absolutely! Enjoying groundhog meat can be a unique culinary experience for those seeking something different. 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 Parboiled groundhog meat baked into stock-laden gravy and covered in a crispy biscuit-y crust is a meal no one can resist, no matter how reluctant they are to eat groundhog. To prove this theory, combine groundhog with the flavors of green pepper, parsley and onion in a pot pie-style dish, or blend with carrots, potatoes, flour and butter. 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.
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