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 The Pennsylvania Lottery's mascot is a groundhog named Gus, referred to in commercials as "the second most famous groundhog in Pennsylvania", in deference to Phil. [26] Because the Groundhog Club Inner Circle has trademarked the use of the name "Punxsutawney Phil", no commercial entity may use the name without the permission from the Inner 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. The Christian festival known as Candlemas – a festival of light – is also observed on Feb. 2, and is also a precursor to Groundhog Day. "The name refers to the candles lit that day in churches 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’s famed groundhog was first officially named Phil a few years later in 1961, and records suggest it was a holdover name from the earlier Philip. Punxsutawney Phil speaks groundhogese. GROUNDHOG DAY 2024. What is the name of the groundhog used for Groundhog Day? Groundhog Day is celebrated every 2 February, across the US but there “is the only true weather forecasting groundhog. The name “Punxsutawney Phil” is closely tied to the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where the famous Groundhog Day tradition takes place. Punxsutawney, a small town located in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, has been hosting the Groundhog Day celebration since the late 1800s. The legendary groundhog’s name comes from Punxsutawney, the Pennsylvania town that has hosted the largest Groundhog Day celebration since 1887. The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club also claims that he was named after King Philip, although exact details remain vague. “Phil” received his official name in the 1960s, which cemented Punxsutawney 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 The Pennsylvania Lottery's mascot is a groundhog named Gus, referred to in commercials as "the second most famous groundhog in Pennsylvania", in deference to Phil. [26] Because the Groundhog Club Inner Circle has trademarked the use of the name "Punxsutawney Phil", no commercial entity may use the name without the permission from the Inner 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. See a list of all 81 prognosticators, whether genuine groundhogs or otherwise. Despite the name, GROUNDHOG-DAY.com is all-welcoming. 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). The Children's Museum in West Hartford has added a new groundhog to its animal sanctuary and is letting the public vote for its new name ahead of Groundhog Day. GROUNDHOG DAY 2024. What is the name of the groundhog used for Groundhog Day? Groundhog Day is celebrated every 2 February, across the US but there “is the only true weather forecasting groundhog. In Punxsutawney, 1886 marked the first time that Groundhog Day appeared in the local newspaper. The following year brought the first official trek to Gobbler’s Knob. Each year since then has seen a steady increase in participation of the celebration from people all over the world. Home of Punxsutawney Phil in the Weather Capital of the World. The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club invites to to celebrate Groundhog Day! Forecaster Type: Groundhog Location: Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, United States Description: Arguably the world's most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil has been providing a Groundhog Day prediction every February 2nd in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, since 1887.
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