Student Article
The Origins and Meaning of Groundhog Day
Groundhog (noun): A small animal also known as a woodchuck.
Hibernation (noun): A state of deep sleep that some animals go into during winter.
Predict (verb): To guess what will happen in the future.
Tradition (noun): A custom or belief passed down through generations.
Immigrants (noun): People who move to a new country to live.
Ever wondered about the meaning behind Groundhog Day?
A furry forecast
Groundhog Day is celebrated on February 2nd in the northeastern USA and Canada. On this day, people wake up a hibernating groundhog to predict the weather. If the groundhog sees its shadow, winter will continue for six more weeks. No shadow? Spring is coming 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 for 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. Despite the tradition, groundhogs are not very good at predicting the weather.
More than just a holiday
The phrase “Groundhog Day” became even more popular after the 1993 movie starring Bill Murray. In the film, a man relives the same day over and over. Now, people use “Groundhog Day” to describe anything that feels like it’s happening on repeat.
© Stuart Blackman / Our Media
Groundhog (noun): A small animal also known as a woodchuck.
Hibernation (noun): A state of deep sleep that some animals go into during winter.
Predict (verb): To guess what will happen in the future.
Tradition (noun): A custom or belief passed down through generations.
Immigrants (noun): People who move to a new country to live.