National Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day is a quirky tradition celebrated annually on February 2 in the United States and Canada. According to folklore, if a groundhog emerges from its burrow and sees its shadow, winter will persist for six more weeks. If it doesn’t see its shadow, spring is on its way. This lighthearted event has become a cultural phenomenon, particularly in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where the famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, makes his prediction.

Quick Facts

When is it?: February 2 every year
Tagged as: Cultural tradition, weather lore
What’s the hashtag?: #NationalGroundhogDay
When was it founded?: First official celebration in 1887
Who founded it?: Clymer Freas, editor of the Punxsutawney Spirit newspaper

History of Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day traces its origins to ancient European customs tied to Candlemas, a Christian festival. German immigrants brought the tradition to Pennsylvania in the 18th century, substituting groundhogs for hedgehogs as weather predictors. The first official Groundhog Day celebration occurred in 1887 at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney. Over time, the event evolved into a festive gathering featuring Punxsutawney Phil as the central figure.

Timeline

1886: First mention of Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney Spirit.
1887: First official celebration at Gobbler’s Knob.
1960s: Punxsutawney Phil receives his iconic name.
1993: The film Groundhog Day popularizes the tradition globally.
2015: Groundhog Day film added to the National Film Registry.

Dates by Next Year

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	February 2	Sunday
2026	February 2	Monday
2027	February 2	Tuesday
2028	February 2	Wednesday
2029	February 2	Friday
2030	February 2	Saturday

Observed

National Groundhog Day is observed with celebrations at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney and other locations across North America. Festivities include live music, speeches by the “Inner Circle” (a group of men in top hats), and Phil’s weather prediction ceremony.

Fun Facts About Groundhog Day

The tradition originated from German Candlemas customs.
Punxsutawney Phil has been predicting since 1887 but has only a ~39% accuracy rate.
Groundhogs are also called woodchucks and hibernate during winter.
The movie Groundhog Day boosted the holiday’s popularity significantly.
Phil’s full title is “Seer of Seers, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Prognosticators.”

Quiz

What does it mean if the groundhog sees its shadow?

Six more weeks of winter

Where does Punxsutawney Phil make his prediction?

Gobbler’s Knob

What Christian holiday is Groundhog Day linked to?

Candlemas

What year was the first official Groundhog Day celebrated?

1887

(Answers: See above)

FAQs

What animal was originally used in Germany for this tradition?
Hedgehogs or badgers were used before groundhogs became the norm in America.
How accurate are groundhog predictions?
Studies show about a 39% accuracy rate—less reliable than flipping a coin!
What is Punxsutawney Phil’s lifespan according to folklore?
Folklore claims he drinks an elixir that extends his life by seven years.