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 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. 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 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. 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. Groundhog Day has been celebrated in the United States since at least February 2, 1886. Starting in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, with its now-famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, the tradition spread throughout America. Groundhog Day, celebrated every year on February 2, is an unusual holiday that stretches back hundreds of years back to European traditions and even ancient times. How is Groundhog Day Celebrated? Groundhog Day is famously connected to weather prediction, with the most prominent tradition involving a groundhog predicting the conclusion of 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 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 Punxsutawney Phil with his groundhog inner circle. | Jeff Swensen/Getty Images. Punxsutawney Phil has been in charge of telling us how long winter will wear on (and, conversely, when spring will Groundhog Day is a quirky tradition celebrated every February 2nd. Ever wondered why we rely on a groundhog to predict the weather? Groundhog Day has deep roots in folklore and history, blending ancient customs with modern fun. This day revolves around a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil, who emerges from his burrow to forecast the coming of Groundhog Day 2024: was the editor of the town's newspaper and quickly published a proclamation about its local weather prognosticating groundhog (though Phil didn't get his name until 1961 Groundhog Day is an "unusual holiday," according to the Farmers Almanac, that dates back centuries to European traditions. Buckeye Chuck's real name is Murray. Groundhog Day is the event for you! What is Groundhog Day? History & Past Predictions. Traveler Resources. Groundhog Day Events. Tickets. PHollow Phil. Facebook; X Maybe he just has a great publicist, but for far too long Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog who predicts whether we’re in for six more weeks of wintry weather on Feb. 2 (Groundhog Day), has The Groundhog Day ceremony is held at Punxsutawney in western Pennsylvania, focuses on a semi-mythical groundhog named “Punxsutawney Phil”. This weather lore depends on the groundhog which emerges from its hibernation on the day of February 2 and sees its shadow in the clear weather. Groundhog Day is a piece of American tradition starring a rodent and his dedicated guardians. Cody Combs. January 19, 2024. English. Arabic. Copy link; Share on X; European Origins. The origins of Groundhog Day date back to medieval Europe. The day of 2 February corresponds with Candlemas, a Christian festival (see Religious Festivals) during which candles are lit, hence the celebration’s name.
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