The
Legend of Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day was founded in the traditions
of the Romans, who carried the myth to the Germans during Roman invasions
many centuries ago. The story was also based on this Scottish couplet:
Candlemas Day is celebrated on February 2nd.
It was determined that if any animal came out of its underground hibernation
on that day, and the sun was out, there would be six more weeks of
winter. Thus was born the tradition of the "two winters" or the "second
winter."
What began as a tale from ancient times,
became fact in the early 1880's. A group of residents from Punxsutawney,
Pennsylvania decided to celebrate Candlemas Day by going to the woods in
search of a groundhog.
In 1886, the editor of the local newspaper
named the group the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. The Club deemed a certain
hilltop near the town as "Gobbler's Knob" proclaiming that, from this knob,
Punxsutawney Phil could accurately forecast the weather.
On February 2, 1887, the first official
trek to Gobbler's Knob was made and Punxsutawney Phil gave his first official
weather forecast. From this beginning, the Punxsutawney Groundhog rose
to fame throughout the world. Known as the "Seer of Seers", Punxsutawney
Phil's forecasts on February 2nd are recorded in the Congressional Records
held in the National Archives and the Library of Congress in our Nation's
capitol.
As news coverage of Punxsutawney
Phil's forecasts became more widespread, so did interest in the legend.
In July of 1966, Gobbler's Knob was officially opened year-round to the
public. In 1986, Punxsutawney Phil and members of the Groundhog Club journeyed
to Washington D.C. to visit President Ronald Reagan at the White House.
In 1990, the movie "Groundhog Day", starring Bill Murray, became a smash
hit at theaters.
Today, the popularity of Groundhog Day continues
to grow. As February 2nd approaches each year, the town of Punxsutawney
comes alive with special events, celebrations, and fun as thousands of
visitors come to enjoy the annual trek to see Punxsutawney Phil proclaim
his forecast.
Punxs'y Phil Predicts One of Two Ways...
Phil Sees His Shadow - Six More Weeks of Winter
Phil Doesn't See His Shadow - Spring is Just Around
the Corner
Groundhog
Craft -AND- Activity Sheet
Groundhog
checking his shadow
Groundhog
Cookies
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