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Groundhog's Day

1/31/2020 (Permalink)

Friday January 31st, 2020

Groundhog's Day

    Well, it's that time of year again. No, not Superbowl Sunday (well, of course there is that too on the same day), but we have arrived at the eve of Groundhog’s Day. Some never pay attention to this little well-known event in American History, and others look to it as some kind of omen as to when Spring will, or will not, arrive (Hint: Spring comes every year, at the same time on the calendar regardless of Mother Nature’s mood that year).

     So, what is the story on this event, and why/how did it come about? According to History.com, Groundhog’s Day began somewhere around 1887. According to the story, if the Groundhog comes out of his hole from hibernation and sees his shadow, he scampers back into his hole signifying six more weeks of Winter. If he does not see his shadow, it means Spring is coming earlier (The History Channel, 2020).

    The tradition continues even to the present day, with Punxsutawney Phil as the groundhog Is known, is pulled from his slumber in Gobblers Knob, Pennsylvania each morning on February 2nd so as to determine when Spring will arrive. The event has become so popular, that it inspired the movie Groundhog Day, featuring Bill Murray as a news anchor who inevitably ends up repeating the holiday over and over, sparking some funny reactions from Murray throughout each day as he comes to terms with the fact that he is stuck reliving the day.

    So, this Sunday, before the Super Bowl festivities begin, flip on the news early in the morning to see Punxsutawney Phil pulled from his home, and news of when Spring will be broadcast to the nation. Include your children in on this tradition, and make it something to look forward to year after year.

References:

The History Channel. (2020, January 31). First Groundhog Day. Retrieved from The History Channel: https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/first-groundhog-day

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