Did you know that a groundhog was not always used to predict the length of the winter season in the northern hemisphere, and that these weather-forecasting rodents are in fact not looking for their shadow?So, what is a groundhog day?
What is Groundhog Day?
Groundhog Day, celebrated on February 2nd every year, is a time to predict how much longer winter will last depending on whether or not the groundhog sees its shadow. While many view this tradition as pure superstition, others use it as a way to help them get through the remaining winter months. In fact the groundhog method only has a 30-40% accuracy rate in predicating an early or late spring.
Groundhog Day | German Origins
The tradition of using an animal to predict the weather was brought to Pennsylvania by German immigrants. But in Germany, badgers and bears were used instead of groundhogs. The original German holiday, called Candlemas Day, falls on February 2nd between the winter solstice and spring equinox. If the sun comes out on that day, it means there would be six more weeks of winter.
A Groundhog Feast
The first Groundhog Day was held on February 2, 1887 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Spectators came together at Gobbler’s Knob to witness the weather-forecasting before feasting at the Punxsutawney Elks Lodge on various groundhog dishes. As the tradition became more popular, with more people coming to the event, the lodge members decided to change the menu.
In Search of a Mate
Tradition has it that if the groundhog comes out and sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If not, there will be an early spring. But according to scientists, the groundhogs actually come out in search of their mate. Apparently, the males emerge first, followed by the females seven days later. The groundhogs then go back to hibernating after finding where their mate will be once spring arrives.
Punxsutawney Phil is Not Alone
Although Punxsutawney Phil is the most famous weather-predicting groundhog, he is not the only one. There are several other groundhogs in both Canada and the Eastern United States including General Beau Lee in Atlanta, GA; Wiarton Willie in Ontario, CA; Sir Walter Wally in Raleigh, NC; Birmingham Bill in Birmingham, Alabama; and Staten Island Chuck in Staten Island, NY.
Groundhog Day the Movie
Thousands of people come to see Punxsutawney Phil every year on February 2nd, but as a whole attendance increased dramatically after the popular Groundhog Day movie starring Bill Murray came out in 1993. The highest attendance was reportedly 35,000 people in 1997.
What will be this year’s prediction?
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