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. Accordingly, if it is a sunny day and the groundhog sees its shadow, it goes back to sleep for six more weeks of winter. Groundhog Day (Pennsylvania German: Grund'sau dåk, Grundsaudaag, Grundsow Dawg, Murmeltiertag; Nova Scotia: Daks Day) [1] [2] [3] is a tradition observed regionally in the United States and Canada on February 2 of every year. On February 3, 1900, British Columbia’s Cascade Record newspaper noted that “Yesterday was ‘bear’ or ‘groundhog’ day.” The newspaper’s phrasing spoke to a general indecision among Canadians in that era, torn between celebrating the majestic bruin we had long counted on to foretell the weather for the remainder of the winter or an upstart rodent from the United States. Groundhog Day in Quebec features “ Fred la Marmotte ” Quebec’s prognosticating groundhog, Fred, or “Gros Fred,” was predicting Quebec’s springtime from 2010 to 2017, after being replaced by his son, “Petit Fred” in 2018 but returned to predict in 2019. Fred is unique in being the only groundhog in North America to make his Groundhogs can be found in the central U.S. and areas east and north into Canada and Alaska, Uncover the history of Groundhog Day and why a groundhog predicts the end of winter in the The history of how Groundhog Day came to be Groundhog Day is almost here: A celebration where North Americans turn toward local groundhogs, like Canadian notables Balzac Billie, Manitoba Merv, Wiarton Willie, Fred la Marmotte, and Shubenacadie Sam, to predict if spring will come early, or if winter will stick around for another six weeks. 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. "Groundhog Day is a film that resonates with audiences on a deep level. It‘s a story about the power of self-reflection, personal growth, and the importance of living each day to the fullest." – Roger Ebert, film critic. The movie‘s popularity had a significant impact on the real-life Groundhog Day celebration in Punxsutawney. 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 day, which is celebrated in the United States and Canada on 2 February every year, revolves around a humble groundhog (also known as a woodchuck) foretelling the next 6 weeks of weather. The theory goes that if the groundhog emerges from its burrow, sees its shadow because of the clear weather and scurries back into its den, there will be 6 History & Past Predictions; Groundhog Day Events Menu Groundhog Day is a tradition observed regionally in the United States and Canada on February 2 of every year Groundhog Day (Pennsylvania German: Grund'sau dåk, Grundsaudaag, Grundsow Dawg, Murmeltiertag; Nova Scotia: Daks Day) [1] [2] [3] is a tradition observed regionally in the United States and Canada on February 2 of every year. Groundhog Day is a popular tradition in the United States and Canada. A crowd of upwards of 5000 people spent a night of revelry awaiting the sunrise and the groundhog's exit from his winter den. The History of Groundhog Day The Christian religious holiday of Candlemas Day has become most commonly associated with the current celebration, but it’s roots are older than that. The celebration started in Christianity as the day, (February 2nd), when Christians would take their candles to the church to have them blessed. What is Groundhog Day? Groundhog Day is a popular tradition celebrated in the United States and Canada on February 2nd each year. It involves a groundhog predicting the weather for the next six weeks. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this quirky holiday. Groundhog Day. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2003. ISBN 978-0811700290. External links. All links retrieved June 20, 2024. History of Groundhog Day; Groundhog Day - February 2; Groundhog.org, the official site of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. Groundhog Day is a popular North American tradition observed in the United States and Canada on February 2. It derives from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerging from its burrow on this day sees its shadow due to clear weather, it will retreat to its den and winter will persist for six more weeks; but if it does not see its shadow because of cloudiness, spring will There are 14 weather-predicting Canadian groundhogs who made predictions in 2024.. Use the Groundhog Map to locate your fave canuk prognosticator. It turns out that the modern Groundhog Day tradition is a tale of adaptation, with its origin in a centuries-old Christian holiday. Candlemas, the Groundhog Day forerunner. Groundhog Day is rooted in the historical Christian tradition of Candlemas, about halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Conventionally, this was What is Groundhog Day? History & Past Predictions; Groundhog Day Events Menu Toggle. Groundhog Day Schedule & Info; Annual Groundhog Banquet; Community Events;
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