What is Groundhog Day? Groundhog Day is celebrated in the United States and Canada on February 2nd.
Shop Punxsutawney Phil’s website for groundhog gifts.
The day involves weather prognostication by a furry creature, namely the Groundhog. The most famous and the biggest Groundhog Day celebration is held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where crowds as large as 40,000. Since 1886, people have gathered here to celebrate the holiday, which is based on when winter is going to end.
The tradition holds that if the groundhog (Marmota monax) pops his head out but sees a shadow when emerging from its burrow, and pops back down, winter will go on for another six weeks. But, if it doesn’t see its shadow, and the groundhog comes out of its burrow, then it is thought that winter will be over soon.
What you should know is… that National Climatic Data Center has described the forecasts as “on average, inaccurate” and stated that “the groundhog has shown no talent for predicting the arrival of spring, especially in recent years.”
Although Punxsutawney Phil’s weather predictions have been correct 39% of the time, accordingto the StormFax Weather Almanac and records kept since 1887, he is still considered the Number 1 prognosticator in the United States.
Looking for gifts and/or party favors to celebrate Groundhog Day? Click on Punxsutawney Phil’s website to find chocolate treats and more….
Also check out the Recipes page.
A fun gift for Feb. 2nd, give “groundhog poop,” which is really chocolate candy.
Northern News 