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 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. If the groundhog does not see its shadow, the prediction is that there will be an early spring. How does Groundhog Day actually work? Published: Feb. 01, 2022, 3:19 p.m. In modern times, the year’s four cross-quarter days are Groundhog Day (February 2), May Day (May 1), Lammas (August 1) and – the most sinister cross-quarter day because it comes at a dark time The first official Groundhog Day celebration took place on February 2, 1887, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The annual ritual has roots in pre-Christian traditions and was brought to the U.S. by An unusual, yet beloved holiday February 2nd is Groundhog Day, the day when a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil predicts whether or not we will have six more weeks of winter. If he sees his shadow, more cold is on the way; if not, warmer weather is coming. While this holiday may seem like a silly tradition, it has a surprisingly deep history. Ancient Traditions Groundhog Day has to do with the Sun and whether it shines or not, and whether the groundhog sees its shadow. There are shadow paths that have been found in Britain where, due to a gently downward curvature of the land, a single standing stone casts a shadow that is half a mile long! Here's how Groundhog Day works and how we know what Punxsutawney Phil says. Updated: Apr. 26, 2024, 8:10 p.m. How does Groundhog Day work and how do we know what Phil says? Here's what we know: Crowds as large as 30,000 have turned out to Punxsutawney for multi-day Groundhog Day festivities, which the state calls a significant tourism boost for the town of fewer than 6,000 people. The ceremony itself — which returned to the stage in 2022 after a COVID-19 hiatus — features dancers, music, speeches and visitors from around the world. How Groundhog Day came to the U.S. — and why we still celebrate it 138 years later. "Groundhog Day is really a holiday about sex," he adds. Blumstein says all animals, not just the Work for CNN Ad Feedback. Why does Groundhog Day exist? Why does Groundhog Day exist? 01:18 Now playing Brennan: What Caitlin Clark's $78k salary really tells us about the WNBA 01:52 Now Every Feb. 2, the world's most famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil rises from its burrow in Pennsylvania for Groundhog Day to give the prediction on what type of weather the U.S. could expect to Spring officially starts 20 March but depending whether or not a groundhog sees its shadow, it’s believed to foretell how soon spring weather will arrive. It proposed, in part, that a woodchuck can be imported from farms or zoos located within the banned-states list if it is a replacement for an official Groundhog Day groundhog and “provided that The diary entry says, "Last Tuesday, the 2nd, was Candlemas Day, the day on which, according to the Germans, the Groundhog peeps out of his winter quarters and if he sees his shadow he pops back "Groundhog Day is really a holiday about sex," he adds. Blumstein says all animals, not just the prognosticators, deserve respect. While some people consider groundhogs a nuisance because they Where does the phrase ‘Groundhog Day’ come from? Groundhog Day, celebrated on February 2nd, is a popular American tradition that has been around for centuries. The event is centered around a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil, who is said to predict the arrival of spring. But does this ancient tradition really work? Let’s dive into the history and science behind Groundhog Day. A Brief How do you plan to celebrate Groundhog Day on February 2nd? Here are 10 fun ways for kids and adults alike to celebrate this holiday. From the naturalist to the movie buff to the gourmet cook, there's something here for everyone. Check out this article for ideas, recipes, and trivia. "Groundhog Day is really a holiday about sex," he adds. Blumstein says all animals, not just the prognosticators, deserve respect. While some people consider groundhogs a nuisance because they
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