Groundhog Day
has been celebrated in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, since 1887. But the
history of Groundhog Day can be traced to early Christians in Europe and
the custom of Candlemas Day,
which marked the midpoint between the winter solstice (the official
start of winter) and the spring equinox (the official start of the
spring season).
On Candlemas Day, the belief was that clear and sunny conditions signified a long, harsh winter and cloudy conditions meant warm weather was on its way.
The Germans eventually adopted this custom, incorporating a hedgehog and the belief that if the animal cast a shadow during sunny skies on Candlemas Day, it indicated six more weeks of bitter cold.
When German settlers arrived in Pennsylvania in the 1700s, they brought the tradition with them. However, because hedgehogs were scarce in the region, they were replaced with the more abundant groundhog, which was also considered sacred among the local Native Americans.
Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his burrow just before 7:30 a.m. Saturday before a roaring crowd at the annual Groundhog Day festival at Gobbler’s Knob. Phil didn't throw off a shadow, which, of course, threw the freezing crowd into a frenzy. "Early Spring! Early Spring! Early Spring!
On Candlemas Day, the belief was that clear and sunny conditions signified a long, harsh winter and cloudy conditions meant warm weather was on its way.
The Germans eventually adopted this custom, incorporating a hedgehog and the belief that if the animal cast a shadow during sunny skies on Candlemas Day, it indicated six more weeks of bitter cold.
When German settlers arrived in Pennsylvania in the 1700s, they brought the tradition with them. However, because hedgehogs were scarce in the region, they were replaced with the more abundant groundhog, which was also considered sacred among the local Native Americans.
Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his burrow just before 7:30 a.m. Saturday before a roaring crowd at the annual Groundhog Day festival at Gobbler’s Knob. Phil didn't throw off a shadow, which, of course, threw the freezing crowd into a frenzy. "Early Spring! Early Spring! Early Spring!
Entire article at
Video of festival at
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