Groundhog Day is February 2nd. It's a time when people look to a groundhog to find out whether or not we will be having six more weeks of winter. The idea dates back hundreds of years when people looked to hibernating animals such as badgers, hedgehogs and bears to see when they might wake up from their winter sleep.
According to the tradition, if the animal saw its shadow, winter would last several more weeks. If it didn't see its shadow, spring would be soon arriving.
When Europeans, especially the Germans, came to the United States, they brought the tradition. The groundhog became the animals of choice as it hibernated and looked something like the European hedgehog. Groundhog Day started back in the 1880s with the first official celebration on February 2, 1887. The most famous groundhog weather forecaster is Punxsutawney Phil, of Punxsutawney, PA. On February 2nd, Punxsutawney Phil, who lives at the Punxsutawney Library is taken to Gobbler's Knob and placed in a heated burrow underneath a simulated tree stump on the stage near where hundreds have gathered. At 7:25 a.m. Punxsutawney Phil comes out to make his weather prediction. If he sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If he doesn't see his shadow, spring is on its way!
Did You Know?
Extension activities:
Check out my Groundhog Day: Reader's Theater Script. Learn about the groundhog and the history of Groundhog Day with Ms. Bie Ografee's guest, Sarsaparilla, the Groundhog.
Gail
Check out my website for teachers/kids for geography activities, short reads, factoids on different topics, career surveys, news, bell ringers and more.
Check out all my resources at https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Gail-Hennessey
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