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Groundhog Day History, Facts, and Fun

Groundhog Day is just around the corner. What will the groundhog see when he pops his head out? Shadow or no shadow? Will winter end soon or it will it drag on for another six weeks? What can we do to celebrate this day and my number one pressing question: why did we start looking to a groundhog to answer our weather questions? Let's take a look at this holiday!

Groundhog Day Date (Day of the Week Groundhog Day Falls On):

Day of Week for Groundhog Day in Any Year - Enter Year YYYY

Groundhog Day History
According to Stormfax it all started with Candlemas Day. This day originally came from the Germans and was the mid-point between the first day of the winter and the first day of spring. Legend said that if this day was fair (sunny), then the second-half of winter would be stormy. In their native land of Germany, the Germans looked at a badger to see if they could see his shadow. When they settled in North America in Pennsylvania, the local Indians had a great respect for groundhogs so they substituted a groundhog for the badger. And as they say, the rest is history and now every February 2, everyone looks to a small town in Pennsylvania for a weather prediction!

Groundhog Day Rule With The Groundhog Seeing His Shadow
If the groundhog sees his shadow, we have 6 more weeks of winter.
If the groundhog does not see his shadow, winter will end soon.

Groundhog Day Fun

• Offical Site of the Groundhog Club
  Here you will find activities for the kids, more about Groundhog Day and we can even get some souvenirs.
• Punxsutawney Phil's Official Site
  Here you can find directions, activities, pictures and more.
• Groundhog Day Online Word Search
  Find the hidden words about Groundhog Day.
• Send a free Groundhog Day eCard
  
• About Groundhogs
  Learn more about groundhogs which are really interesting creatures!

Groundhog Day Movies
"Groundhog Day" Rated PG - Starring Bill Murray

Groundhog Day Books
Children's Books about Groundhogs and Groundhog Day