I have always had a sentimental attachment to Groundhog Day. My Grandfather was born on February 2, 1888. On that day was the second observance of the Holiday. Here is some of the history, behind Groundhog Day, which originated in Punxsutawney Pennsylvania, in 1887. First Groundhog Day On February 2, 1887, Groundhog Day, featuring a rodent meteorologist, is celebrated for the first time at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. According to tradition, if a groundhog comes out of its hole on this day and sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather; no shadow means an early spring. Groundhog Day has its roots in the ancient Christian tradition of Candlemas Day, when clergy would bless and distribute candles needed for winter. The candles represented how long and cold the winter would be. Germans expanded on this concept by selecting an animal–the hedgehog–as a means of predicting weather. Once they came to America, German settlers in Pennsylvania continued the tradition, although they switched from hedgehogs to groundhogs, which were plentiful in the Keystone State.
Groundhog day, one of my favorite movies. How I wish life could be like that. On the other hand, if it was, I'd probably be stuck back in my childhood, trying to get it right. I was a slow learner.
I don't think Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning ... so early spring. I'm ready for it too, over here in Houston.. lol
Did Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow? See the Groundhog Day 2016 prediction. Phil is also just one of many groundhogs people look to for weather forecasts every Feb. 2. Several local groundhogs partake in the event as well, including Holtsville Hal, Malverne Mel and Staten Island Chuck.