by Tracy Deluca

Created on: March 24, 2009

Groundhog Day is observed on February 2nd every year. Most people know that this is a day when we find out whether spring will be here soon or if winter will continue for another six weeks. But, why do we observe this holiday? Why February 2nd? Why a groundhog? Where did this come from? IS there any truth to the myth of the groundhog's shadow signaling more winter weather? What IS a groundhog anyway?

Groundhog Day stems from an older holiday, Candlemas Day. The beliefs and traditions of Candlemas Day were similar to Groundhog Day in that the day marked a milestone in the weather and a change from winter to spring. An even older Roman holiday was celebrated on February 1st, the Feast of Lights. This was a springtime rebirth celebration. Many other spring celebrations were traditionally celebrated around the beginning of February throughout the ages. February 2nd is the midpoint between winter solstice and the spring equinox.

Groundhog Day itself is a North American tradition stemming from Candlemas and first celebrated in it's current form in 1886. The now traditional viewing of the famous groundhog in Punxsutawney, PA is a fun and nonscientific way to calculate the end of the winter weather. Supposedly, if Punxsutawney
Phil comes out of his burrow and sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of bad weather. If the day is cloudy and he does not see his shadow, then spring is on its way! Teachers and parents can use this holiday as a way to teach children about the changing seasons and the oncoming spring growing season.

A groundhog is a woodchuck (Marmota
monax) and is part of the squirrel family. The groundhog is a burrowing rodent (!) with bristly fur and short legs. They are actually quite cute even though they sound unappealing. Groundhogs are native to the Northern and Eastern areas of the United States and are known regionally as a whistle pig. Groundhogs are not the only animals used to predict the weather, some places have also used badgers, guinea pigs or porcupines on this day.

The famous Punxsutawney Phil is a groundhog with a past. He has appeared on the Oprah show, He traveled to Washington to meet President Reagan, is televised every year and has his own web page! The little guy even has a movie named after him. Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray has made Punxsutawney, PA a major tourist attraction in February. Groundhog Day is focused on
Punxsutawney Phil but also has other forecasters throughout the country. While many of us like to know what these furry forecasters say about the weather, the reality is that this is not any type of scientific observation. The truth is, February 2nd may mark the possibility of springtime, but in reality, in many areas, spring is still very far away.

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