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 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 Correction appended, February 1, 2016. Feb. 2 is Groundhog Day, the annual holiday in which Americans allow animals to “predict” the length of winter, based on whether or not they see their The men trekked to a site called Gobbler’s Knob, where the inaugural groundhog became the bearer of bad news when he saw his shadow. It was immortalized in the 1993 film Groundhog Day, In the end, Animal Justice says using real animals for Groundhog Day celebrations isn’t kind or compassionate and that there are other ways to celebrate the arrival of spring. Leave the groundhogs alone. — Jessica Scott-Reid (@JessLReid) February 2, 2023. Do you think Groundhog Day is a cruel tradition? Let us know in the comments. Groundhog Day 2024: If a hedgehog saw its shadow, there would be a "second winter" or six more weeks of bad weather, according to German lore. Before Reading Begin by explaining to your students the cruel tradition of Groundhog Day. Tell them that many groundhogs are taken away from the safety and comfort of their natural habitat and kept in roadside zoos and museum exhibits—where they can’t search for food, roam freely, or even hibernate for the winter—all so that people can hold them up in front of large, loud crowds to find Groundhog Day is no holiday for the animals forced to “perform” in front of large crowds, exposed to flash photography and loud noise. Groundhogs are naturally shy, sensitive prey animals who react poorly when handled in front of raucous crowds, as evidenced by a 2015 incident when a groundhog named Jimmy bit a Wisconsin mayor’s ear at However, the idea that a groundhog predicting the weather can seem bizarre, but perhaps the answer to this event can be found in its 134-year history. As stated, Groundhog Day has been a holiday in America for over a century, the first held in 1887 in Punxsutawney. But interestingly, the history of the practice goes back even further. Groundhog Day is a day we look forward to. Right? After all, who doesn't enjoy watching an adorable, chubby, furry little rodent predict the future? The tradition is, if the animal comes out and sees its shadow, there will be 6 more weeks of wintery weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring. The Bodyguard and Groundhog Day are not 80s movies. They came out in the early 90s, and besides that feel really of the decade to me (at least the first part of it). But I take your point that so many movies from the 80s and 90s have been adapted, although I quite liked Groundhog Day personally. Ghost is another example. E very year on February 2, crowds gather at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to watch a groundhog emerge for the day—just like in the classic Bill Murray film Groundhog Day.You It's February 2nd, and movie fans prepare themselves for Groundhog Day with one of the most deeply philosophical films ever made. addictions, bad habits, and so on, and life can easily pass us 10. Did the Groundhog catch some fog the other day? No, he mist. 11. What did Obi-Wan say to Groundhog? If every day feels like Groundhog Day, maybe it’s time to paws and reflect! 12. Why is Punxsutawney Phil always cold? Because he has many fans. 13. When does a groundhog come before a woodchuck? In the dictionary. It’S Been Done. That’s one of the reasons why a Groundhog Day TV show really shouldn’t even be a consideration. Another is that Ned, Ned the Head, Needlenose Ned, shouldn’t be the main character in this show is that a lot of people might have thought he was funny but he wasn’t a big deal after the few minutes his role took to air out each day. Groundhog Day in Pop Culture. Groundhog Day has made its mark in pop culture, thanks to movies, TV shows, and more. Here are some interesting facts about its influence. The movie "Groundhog Day" has become a cultural phenomenon, often referenced in discussions about time loops and repetitive events. Celebrate Groundhog Day with this collection of funny jokes and corny puns that'll have kids, adults and the rest of the family wood-chuckling all day long. Celebrate Puxatawny Phil on Feb. 2 with Celebrate Groundhog Day with this collection of funny Groundhog Day jokes and corny puns that'll have kids, adults and the rest of the family in stitches. So, read on to get your Phil of bad It's February 2nd, and movie fans prepare themselves for Groundhog Day with one of the most deeply philosophical films ever made. addictions, bad habits, and so on, and life can easily pass us 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.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.