The Legend of Groundhog Day

1/22/2019 (Permalink)

Punxsutawney Phil

The tradition of Groundhog Day began in Germany during the celebration of Candlemas on February 2nd.  It began in the United States as a tradition of the Pennsylvania Dutch, who emigrated from Germany, and was used to predict the planting season.

The original, and most famous groundhog, is Punxsutawney Phil.  The tradition became widespread after an article in the Punxsutawney Spirit newspaper published the even in 1887.

Up to 40,000 spectators visit Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney Pennsylvania every February 2nd.  If Phil sees his shadow and retreats back to his den, there will be six more weeks of Winter!