On February 2 people in Canada and the US, especially Pennsylvania, will celebrate Groundhog Day. This holiday originated in Germany a very long time ago. Germans used to do a tradition called Candlemas (Badger Day) on February 2. They thought that if a Bager woke up on a sunny day, came out of its den, and saw its shadow, there would be four more weeks of winter.
The Pennsylvania Dutch, who are immigrants from Germany, thought this tradition was very important, so they decided to continue it, but make it their own. Instead of having a badger, they decided to use a groundhog. They named the groundhog Punxsutawney Phil since the main festivities were held in Punxsutawney, PA. They also made it six more weeks of winter instead of four weeks. This means that if the groundhog saw its own shadow, then there would be six more weeks of winter. However if he did not see his shadow then this means that spring will come early. The first ever actual Groundhog day was celebrated on February 2, 1887.
People speculate each year what they think the groundhog’s predictions are, if there will be more winter or an early spring. Layne Schroeder and Greta Fink think that Phil will see his shadow. Ana Smith on the other hand believes and hopes that spring will come early for all of us. “I hope there is more winter,” said Graylea Knight. People can predict and hope all they want, but Punxsutawney Phil is only about 39% accurate. This means that there is a very low chance of his prediction actually being true in the end. This year will be the 139th celebration of Groundhog Day. Many people from all over will come to celebrate with crowds up to 40,000 people. That is nearly eight times the yearly population of the town.
For more information go to history.com/news/groundhog-day-history-and-facts