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 5 biggest Groundhog Day myths and misconceptions, from the history to the predictions. Published: ; Jan. 30, 2016, 12:15 p.m. 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 legend of the groundhog's forecasting powers arguably dates back to the early days of Christianity in Europe when clear skies on the holiday Candlemas Day, celebrated on Feb. 2, meant an It is certainly possible that I have overlooked a reference. However, this Roman hedgehog lore sounds awfully like an educated guess — a myth – to explain the Groundhog Day myth’s origins. Just as European roots make an American tradition feel more, well, traditional, classical roots give it an air of auctoritas. Native American Hedgehogs Myth: Groundhog Day is safe. Reality: The various groundhog handlers know all too well that their duty puts them in harm's way. Much like the average person, the average groundhog doesn't But the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club has declared Phil the authoritative groundhog in this quirky myth. Forget groundhogs: It's Marmot Day (in Alaska) Forty-nine states celebrate Groundhog Day. 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 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 Groundhog Day has evolved into a unique combination of Old World mythology and American inventiveness, demonstrating the ongoing concern with nature, tradition, and weather prediction. Fun Stories about Groundhog Day. Groundhog Day now hosts exciting and often humorous spectacles that captivate participants and bystanders. When is Groundhog Day 2025? Groundhog Day will take place Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025. Thousands will show up in person, with the grounds to Gobblers Knob opening at 4 a.m., and millions will tune in to see if Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow. More: Where to watch Bill Murray's 1993 classic movie 'Groundhog Day' for Groundhog Day. What is The legend of the groundhog's forecasting powers arguably dates back to the early days of Christianity in Europe when clear skies on the holiday Candlemas Day, celebrated on Feb. 2, meant an 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 For the Greeks, the time to start planting was midway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox—around six weeks after the winter solstice, around Groundhog Day. But, for the Greeks, that day was one to celebrate—not the ugly groundhog, but the beautiful goddess Persephone, returning to earth from her conjugal bed with Hades, the Where does the phrase ‘Groundhog Day’ come from? What do Candlemas (the Christian holiday), Saint Brigid’s Day (the Irish holiday), Hromnice (the Czech holiday), and Groundhog Day (that bizarre, North American rodent-watching custom) all have in common — apart from taking place in early February? Turns out they’re all rooted in the same ancient Celtic festival: Imbolc. Pssst. While Groundhog Day isn't a federal holiday in the United States, the traditional observance celebrates the triumph of spring over winter. Groundhog Day is celebrated every year on Feb. 2. This The Cherokee also have a Groundhog Dance among their tribal dance traditions. Native American Groundhog Gods and Spirits Grandmother Woodchuck (Abenaki) Native American Legends About Groundhogs Grandmother Woodchuck: Article about the meaning of groundhog myths in Wabanaki Indian mythology. Gluscabi and the Wind Eagle Abenaki Tobacco Story The Birth of Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney. The first recorded Groundhog Day celebration took place on February 2nd, 1886, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The event was organized by local newspaper editor Clymer Freas and a group of businessmen and groundhog hunters known as the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. 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
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