Student Article
The Origins and Meaning of Groundhog Day
Groundhog (noun): A small animal also known as a woodchuck.
Hibernation (noun): A deep sleep that helps animals survive cold weather.
Predict (verb): To guess what will happen in the future.
Tradition (noun): A custom or belief passed down through generations.
Have you heard of Groundhog Day?
A furry forecast
Groundhog Day is a special day celebrated on February 2nd. On this day, people in the northeastern USA and Canada wake up a hibernating groundhog to predict the weather. If the groundhog sees its shadow, winter will continue for six more weeks. If it doesn't see its shadow, spring will come early.
Where did this come from?
Groundhog Day has roots in European festivals like Candlemas and Imbolc. People used to watch animals like badgers and bears to see signs of spring. German-speaking immigrants brought this tradition to Pennsylvania in the late 1800s and adapted it to the local groundhog.
Meet the most famous groundhog
Punxsutawney Phil is a famous groundhog who lives near Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. He plays a big role in the town's Groundhog Day celebrations, which started in 1887.
More than just a holiday
The phrase "Groundhog Day" became popular after a movie in 1993. In the movie, a TV weatherman gets stuck in a time loop, making every day February 2nd.
© Stuart Blackman / Our Media
Groundhog (noun): A small animal also known as a woodchuck.
Hibernation (noun): A deep sleep that helps animals survive cold weather.
Predict (verb): To guess what will happen in the future.
Tradition (noun): A custom or belief passed down through generations.