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 Originally, Groundhog Day was a Celtic festival marking the year’s first cross-quarter day, or a midpoint between seasons. Read more about the ancient Celtic calendar here. Celebrated at the beginning of February, the day was called Imbolc —a term from Old Irish that is most often translated as “in the belly”—a reference to the soon When is Groundhog Day? Groundhog Day always falls on Feb. 2. This year, that's a Sunday. What does it mean if the groundhog sees his shadow? Legend has it that if the groundhog sees his shadow, we The meaning of GROUNDHOG DAY is February 2 observed traditionally as a day that indicates six more weeks of winter if sunny or an early spring if cloudy. How to use Groundhog Day in a sentence. Groundhog Day definition: 1. in the US, 2 February, which, according to an old story, is the day the groundhog wakes up after. Learn more. 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. In the American tradition of Groundhog Day, the nation’s groundhog prognosticators take a stance on the season ahead. If the groundhog sees his shadow, he predicts six more weeks of winter. In 1993, the film Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray popularised the use of the term ‘groundhog day’ to mean something that is endlessly repeated.It also popularised the event itself: after the film came out, the crowd at Gobbler’s Knob grew from around 2,000 annual attendees to a staggering 40,000, which is nearly 8 times the population of Punxsutawney. 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 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. 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. What does that mean? Published: Jan. 30, 2025, 12:25 p.m. Punxsutawney Phil, the weather prognosticating groundhog, is the product of a storied tradition (and superstition) that stretches back What Does It Mean When the Groundhog Sees Its Shadow? The question "what does it mean when the groundhog sees its shadow?" is central to the Groundhog Day tradition. The answer lies in the belief that the groundhog's shadow is an indicator of the weather to come. A sunny day means the groundhog will see his shadow ― this is taken as a sign that the next six weeks will bring wintry weather. A cloudy day means the opposite. Got it? A sunny Groundhog Day If the groundhog does not see his shadow, spring will arrive early. residing in the same village where the cult classic 1993 film "Groundhog Day" was filmed. In 2023, If it’s cloudy and he doesn’t see his shadow, it’s said to mean an early spring. Groundhog Day is the 1st cross-quarter day of the year. Image via weather.gov. 3. Celebrate Groundhog Day, Every Day! Culturally, seeing a groundhog often brings to mind Groundhog Day, a tradition where the groundhog’s behavior is believed to predict the arrival of spring. This cultural perception can infuse an element of hope and anticipation into your life. 4. You Need to Set Boundaries The legend goes that if it is a clear sunny day, the groundhog will see its own shadow. This means it will return to its burrow and winter will continue for another six weeks. What Does Groundhog Day Dreaming Mean? Groundhog day dreams can signify feeling overwhelmed or stuck in a rut—whether emotionally, mentally or physically—that one finds difficult to break free from. Ohio's weather-predicting groundhog Buckeye Chuck will emerge from his burrow in Marion, Ohio, on Feb. 2 for Groundhog Day. Like Phil, if Buckeye Chuck sees his shadow, there will be six more
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