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 Should be remaining on Candlemas Day. On Candlemas Day, The good goose begins to lay. When the wind’s in the east on Candlemas Day, There it will stick till the 2nd of May. On Candlemas Day, if the thorns hang a drop, You are sure of a good pea crop. More About Groundhogs! What exactly IS a groundhog? Also known as a woodchuck or whistlepig Yet there, it is a badger that's used to make the determinations of the forthcoming change of seasons, the reason the practice came to use a groundhog in the U.S. is simply because badgers are 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. The beginning of February, which falls roughly halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox , has long been a significant time of the year in many According to the lore, there is only one Phil, and all other groundhogs are impostors. [8] It is claimed that this one groundhog has lived to make weather prognostications since 1886, sustained by drinks of "groundhog punch" or "elixir of life" administered at the annual Groundhog Picnic in the fall. [ 8 ] 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. 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 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. Groundhog Day has its roots in ancient midwinter ceremonies. If a hedgehog saw its shadow, there would be a "second winter" or six more weeks of bad weather, according to German lore. When is Groundhog Day? Groundhog Day is on February 2 every year. In 2025, Groundhog Day is on a Sunday. What is Groundhog Day? On Groundhog Day, the world looks to Punxsutawney Phil, a groundhog If there's no shadow, that's a sign of an early spring. Groundhog Day is an "unusual holiday," according to the Farmers Almanac, that dates back centuries to European traditions. The groundhog is known as Punxsutawney Phil, because the town where the Groundhog Day tradition originated is called Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. A big celebration is still held in the town to this But Groundhog Day is such a clever, wonderful ride that you don't notice the joins. It's rare for a comedy to be funny and profound but also popular. Films such as Groundhog Day and Back to the Future sold a lot of popcorn, but they were insanely smart too. That's very inspiring when you're sitting there trying to write a comedy screenplay. Here's when Groundhog Day began: The first mention of Groundhog Day came in 1886 in Punxsutawney. Over the years, several other locations have begun using their own groundhog, including General Groundhog Club handler A.J. Dereume holds Punxsutawney Phil during the 138th celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, Friday, Feb. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger) "Today the Germans say the groundhog comes out of his winter quarters," read the diary entry, "and if he sees his shadow he returns in and remains there 40 days." When it comes to Groundhog Day, Pennsylvanians know there is only one authoritative voice in rodent prognostication. And that voice is Punxsutawney Phil, who makes his home at Gobbler’s Knob in There are 82 prognosticators throughout North America: 68 in the USA, and 14 in Canada. Use the map to find your nearest Groundhog Day prognosticator (unless you’re from Saskatchewan — sorry bud). According to Groundhog Club members, there has only been one Phil and he has been predicting since 1887, making him 135 years old. His longevity is credited to drinking “the elixir of life,” a There are a few more ways to watch "Groundhog Day" on demand. If you pay for one of the cordless cable services, check there. The movie is currently available on Philo, Sling TV, The Roku Channel
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