Groundhog Day is celebrated annually on February 2 to help predict the next few weeks of weather. Throughout ancient times, Feb. 2 has had many different traditions and meanings. The Celts referred to it as Imbolc, a pagan festival that marked the beginning of the spring. Imbolc later turned into a Christian tradition known as Candlemas which evolved into a day to celebrate the presentation of Jesus in Jerusalem. If Candlemas was sunny and pretty, there would be 40 more days of cold, winter weather. When the Germans brought this holiday to America, they predicted the weather with small animals like badgers and hedgehogs. After time, it became clear that it was easier to find groundhogs than it was to find other animals with an accurate forecast. The first Groundhog Day was celebrated in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania in 1887. Winter’s end is predicted as the groundhog comes out of its hole on the morning of Feb. 2. If it sees its shadow, it becomes frightened and runs back into its hole. This reaction predicts six more weeks of winter. If the groundhog does not see a shadow, spring is right around the corner with warmer weather. Many people observe Groundhog Day and some tend to take it very seriously. There are many simple ways to celebrate around the community and at home. This is an inexpensive holiday that does not include gift giving, cards, or large family dinners. A few simple ways to acknowledge the holiday would be to watch meteorologist Punxsutwney Phil on the local news stations, make crafts, or even listen to the official Groundhog Day song by Helen Slayton Hughes.
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