Explore Groundhog Day's shadowy history as well as interesting facts about the custom. By: History.com Staff Updated: January 30, 2024 | Original: February 2, 2012 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 Groundhogs Fact Sheet. January 29, 2020. SHARE. Groundhog Day History: In the United States and Canada, Groundhog Day is a popular tradition celebrated every year on February 2. The holiday 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. PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. -- Here's a look at Groundhog Day, an American tradition that is meant to predict when spring will arrive. Facts. The groundhog emerges from its burrow on February 2. If the See how the groundhog became a symbol for predicting seasonal changes in America, rooted in German folklore with a badger — which in turn lead to Groundhog Day. 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. Groundhog Day is celebrated in the United States and Canada on February 2. On this day, according to tradition, people watch the behavior of a groundhog (also called a woodchuck) to find out what the weather will be like for the next six weeks. If the animal sees its shadow as it comes out of its burrow, there will be six more weeks of wintery February 2, 2023 - For the third year in a row, Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow on Groundhog Day, predicting six more weeks of winter. Facts The groundhog emerges from its burrow on February 2. 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 See the fact file below for more information on Groundhog Day or download the BUMPER 22 worksheet pack which can be utilised within the classroom or home environment. Groundhog Day Origin: Groundhog Day celebrations began as part of the Pennsylvanian German tradition during the 1800s. Here are some Groundhog Day facts that may help answer those kid questions. Photo by Chris Flook. Here are some of our teacher team’s favorite fun Groundhog Day facts for kids: The most famous groundhog on Groundhog Day is Punxsutawney Phil, who lives in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Phil isn’t the first groundhog to celebrate the holiday The groundhog day activity sheets pdf file will open in a new window for you to save your freebie. Now print off the pages. Now print off the pages. This pack is fully black and white, which will help with printing costs. Groundhog, (Marmota monax), one of 14 species of marmots (Marmota), considered basically a giant North American ground squirrel. It is sometimes destructive to gardens and pasturelands. Classified as a marmot, the groundhog is a member of the squirrel family, Sciuridae, within the order Rodentia. The average groundhog weighs as much as 11lbs. Despite their stocky build, they are surprisingly quick. Groundhogs are also good swimmers and tree climbers. They have two layers of fur: a dense grey undercoat and a longer coat of banded guard hairs that gives the groundhog a “frosted” appearance. Looking for a fun and educational resource to teach your 2nd graders about groundhogs, especially for Groundhog Day? Our Facts About Groundhogs Sheet is just what you need! This fact file is packed with interesting information about where groundhogs live, what they eat, how they behave, and more. With its easy-to-follow layout and charming hand-drawn illustrations, this resource is sure to Fact Sheet, and a Groundhog Day Word Search with an answer sheet. To print the Groundhog's Day printable games, I recommend using white card stock, but you can totally use regular copy paper if that is all you have on hand. Groundhog Day may sound silly, but the traditions and little facts of the day really make it a fun one to share with your kids. You can stream Punxsutawney Phil coming out of his burrow on Feb. 2 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. Fun Ways to Use Groundhog Day Coloring Pages. Pair Coloring with a Story; Start the activity by reading a book about Groundhog Day or sharing fun facts about groundhogs. Then, let kids color pages featuring the furry weather predictor and related themes. This helps them make connections between the craft and the story. Add a Weather Lesson
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