Groundhog Day is a tradition that has taken place annually in the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania since Feb. 2, 1987. A groundhog, also known as a woodchuck, is brought out at sunrise to make a prediction on how the remaining winter will play out. Learn about the cultural tradition of Groundhog Day, observed on February 2 in the US and Canada, that predicts the arrival of spring based on a groundhog's behavior. Find out the origins of the superstition, its variations across regions and countries, and its relation to Candlemas and other festivals. 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 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 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. In 1886, Groundhog Day was acknowledged for the first time in Punxsutawney by a local newspaper, Weathers Wags, according to the club. In 1887, the first official pilgrimage to see Phil on Gobbler With so many of Phil’s fans now devoted to the celebration, the Inner Circle hosts additional events and gatherings throughout the week leading up to Groundhog Day, including the Groundhog Ball and the Groundhog Banquet. 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. Learn about the origins and traditions of Groundhog Day, a custom brought to the U.S. by German immigrants and based on ancient and modern weather lore. Find out how groundhogs are chosen, how accurate they are and what other animals are used for forecasting. 3 of 15 | . FILE - The groundhog saw his shadow, Feb. 2, 1954, as the sun peeked through an overcast sky at Washington Park Zoo in Milwaukee, Wis. The arrival of annual Groundhog Day celebrations Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, will draw thousands of people to see celebrity woodchuck Phil at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa. — an event that exploded in popularity after the 1993 Bill Murray movie. Groundhog Day is almost here: What to know about the rodent, the shadow, and the weather Punxsutawney Phil is the most famous weather-predicting rodent, but he apparently isn't the most accurate. When is Groundhog Day? Groundhog Day is Sunday, Feb. 2.. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. Where is the groundhog from? The answer is in his name. Here's what the weather forecast shows for Punxsutawney Phil's prediction for Groundhog Day on Sunday morning. - Articles from The Weather Channel | weather.com Groundhog Day: Directed by Harold Ramis. With Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky. A narcissistic, self-centered weatherman finds himself in a time loop on Groundhog Day. Groundhog Day is a 1993 American fantasy comedy film directed by Harold Ramis from a screenplay by him and Danny Rubin.Starring Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, and Chris Elliott, it tells the story of a cynical television weatherman covering the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, who becomes trapped in a time loop, forcing him to relive February 2 repeatedly. Here's the forecast for Sunday morning: Cloudy conditions and chilly temperatures in the upper-20s are expected in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania when Phil makes his prediction around 7:08 a.m. ET Groundhog Day is coming on Feb. 2. It's a time when we look to a sleepy woodchuck to tell us how much more winter we have to endure before spring arrives. Punxsutawney Phil, the most famous Groundhog Day falls on February 2! Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow? Find out what the result means for gardening. Plus, learn about the ancient origins of this holiday, once named Imbolc (the midpoint between the winter solstice and spring equinox), which is also celebrated as Candlemas. Groundhog Day activity sheets are a great way to add some extra fun to this quirky holiday.Kids will love learning about the tradition while enjoying engaging activities that make the day even more special. The Groundhog Day celebration at Gobbler's Knob started in 1887. Aside from a 10-year gap, records for each prognostication have been meticulously kept.
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