Groundhog Day 
February 2nd is the day that Punxsutawney Phil of Punxsutawney, PA peeks out of his burrow to predict the weather for the rest of the winter. The legend is if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he doe not see his shadow, there will be an early spring.
The largest Groundhog Day Celebration is held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania where crowds have gathered to celebrate the holiday since 1886. This Pennsylvania German custom has its origins in ancient European weather lore, when a badger or bear was used as a weather predictor.
Our culture keeps Groundhog Day alive and well through books, celebrations, films and games.
Some “Family Friendly” ideas are:
- Disney’s 1930 Silly Symphonies, At the end Mr. Groundhog comes out of his hole, your children will enjoy the transformation of the weather.
- The 1993 move Groundhog Day staring Bill Murray as a selfish man who must relive the day until he can learn to give up his selfishness.
- Nintendo’s GameCube game Animal Crossing celebrates Groundhog Day.
- Glass, Marvin. What Happened Today, Freddy Groundhog? New York: Crown Publishers, 1989
- Kroll, Steven. It’s Groundhog Day! New York: Holiday House, 1987.
- Warren, Jean. Huff and Puff on Groundhog Day. Everett, Wash.: Warren Publishing, 1995
- The official website of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania Groundhog Club http://www.groundhog.org
- The fantastic book picture on this page is The Groundhog Day Book of Facts and fun by Wendie Old, Illustrated by Paige Billin-Frye, Albert Whitman & Company, Morton Grove, Illinois.
Groundhog’s Family Craft: Groundhog Day is a perfect day to start those outdoor feeders. Take a pinecone or stale bagel and tie a piece of colorful yarn to it. Roll pinecone or bagel in peanut butter then roll in bird seed. Repeat. Tie to trees, bushes or your fence.
Slide show has the recipe for Groundhog’s Banana Bread.
Enjoy Groundhog Day with your family,
R.R. Cratty
Comments
I never understood Groundhog day. Is six more weeks a good thing or a bad thing? Six weeks brings us to mid March, which isn't bad. If he doesn't see his shadow, does that means winter ends now?
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