What is a Groundhog and Why Does it Have a Holiday? [Updated]
![What is a Groundhog and Why Does it Have a Holiday? [Updated]](https://assets.blog.engoo.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/01/06061947/groundhog_day_new-1024x683.jpg "What is a Groundhog and Why Does it Have a Holiday? [Updated]")
The US calendar has several special days that are fun to celebrate even though they aren't official holidays. For example, November has Sadie Hawkins Day, then Black Friday just after Thanksgiving.
But this time, we're looking at a day in February that focuses on a small, furry creature who people say has the power to see the future! If you're curious about Groundhog Day and how it's celebrated, read on to learn more.
What’s a Groundhog?
Groundhogs are a kind of mammal that can be found in the eastern parts of the United States as well as Alaska and Canada. They look a bit like large squirrels, with furry bodies that can grow to about 68 cm (or almost 27 inches).
Groundhogs have short tails and small, powerful legs that let them burrow, or dig, into the ground with ease. They are very intelligent animals and can even whistle to communicate with one another.
They are also known by several names, including woodchuck, whistlepig, Canada marmot and monax. Monax means "digger" in the language of some groups of Native American people.
The History of Groundhog Day
Now that we know a bit about groundhogs, what exactly is Groundhog Day?
To understand, we must go back to a traditional European religious festival called Candlemas. On February 2, Christians would bring candles to church in order to receive blessings, or good fortune, for the remaining winter days.
When this tradition was brought to Germany, a new detail was introduced: if a hedgehog (another small mammal) came out of the ground and saw its shadow on Candlemas Day, winter's bad weather would continue for six more weeks.
When German immigrants arrived in America, they brought this festival with them. In the US, however, the special animal was changed from a hedgehog to the groundhog we have today.
How is Groundhog Day Celebrated?
In reality, a groundhog's shadow has no connection to the weather! However, people still enjoy the idea of these furry creatures "predicting" the end or continuation of winter on the second day of February every year.
Today, one of the biggest Groundhog Day celebrations takes place in Punxsutawney, a town in the US state of Pennsylvania. Here is where it is said the festival was first mentioned in a newspaper, back in the year 1886.
Since then, the town has hosted a big celebration each year, with people from around the country coming to see the famous groundhog "Punxsutawney Phil" and to enjoy talent shows, food, music and dancing.
This town and its celebration received a big boost in popularity after the release of the American comedy Groundhog Day in 1993. The film takes place during the festival and is about a man who lives the same day over and over in a strange time loop.
An Early Spring?
Although the most famous festival happens in Punxsutawney, Groundhog Day is celebrated in cities across the US and Canada.
But even if you can't visit these places yourself, you can still watch a live stream of an event to see if the groundhog will see its shadow!
If you'd like to learn about other special days on the US calendar, check out these articles for more:
