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. 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 5 biggest Groundhog Day myths and misconceptions, from the history to the predictions. Published: ; Jan. 30, 2016, 12:15 p.m. 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 become a beloved tradition that adds excitement to winter, whether people accept Phil’s predictions or just enjoy the festivities. History of Groundhog Day. European weather folklore held that animals could forecast the weather, which inspired Groundhog Day. The custom we know today began with this folkloric idea. As the myth of Groundhog Day goes, if a groundhog sees its shadow on February 2, winter will last another six weeks. And while Punxsutawney Phil’s handlers maintain 100 percent accuracy in his "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 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 The first official Groundhog Day took place on February 2, 1887, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The event took up permanent residence at Gobbler’s Knob the following year. 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. Phil and the town of Punxsutawney were portrayed in the 1993 film “Groundhog Day.” (It was really filmed in Woodstock, Ill.) Phil appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show in 1995. (He did not get a Groundhog Day was popularized by the 1993 movie "Groundhog Day," starring Bill Murray. The film brought widespread attention to the tradition. The Groundhog's Role. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, play a central role in this unique celebration. Here are some interesting facts about these furry forecasters. 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 A s the myth of Groundhog Day goes, if a groundhog sees its shadow on February 2, winter will last another six weeks. And while Punxsutawney Phil’s handlers maintain 100 percent accuracy in his 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 The first recorded mention of Groundhog Day in America dates back to 1841 when it appeared in a diary entry by James Morris. However, it wasn’t until February 2nd, 1887 when a newspaper editor named Clymer H. Freas from Punxsutawney declared Punxsutawney Phil as the official weather-forecasting groundhog. National Groundhog Day Celebrations. National Groundhog Day is celebrated in various ways across North America. In Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, the festivities start a day before with a Groundhog Day Eve celebration. This includes live music, food vendors, and a bonfire to keep warm during the winter night. Other towns have their own versions of Weather forecast for Punxsutawney, PA on Groundhog Day. The weather prediction for February 2, 2025 in Punxsutawney, PA calls for overcast weather with 50% possibility of rain and a high of 41° F. Groundhog Day Facts. The first Groundhog Day celebration took place in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania’s Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog, has been predicting the weather since 1887. If a groundhog sees its shadow on Groundhog Day, legend says there will be six more weeks of winter. In some places, Groundhog Day is also known
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.