The Groundhog Tradition
By celticeagle
@celticeagle (159359)
Boise, Idaho
February 1, 2019 11:00pm CST
Groundhog Day was first mentioned in a diary entry by one James L. Morris on February 2 1840. But, the observance of this day didn't come until 1886 and was documented in the Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania Spirit Newspaper. The 133rd time the famous prognosticator has come out of his burrow will happen Feb.2 2019 at 7:25a.m. at Gobblers Knob in Punxsutawney. They even have named him Punxsutawney Phil and he lives at the zoo there.
The "inner circle" of Punxsutawney Phil believers say that he drinks an elixir which enables him to live longer and to remain strong in his duties. This same circle also say that he communicates to the current president and give him his predictions. If the groundhog comes out and sees his shadow then there will be six more weeks of winter. If he does not then spring will come early.
This is a popular tradition in both the United States and Canada having been drawn from Pennsylvania Dutch folklore.
Picture courtesy of Flickr.
7 people like this
9 responses
@toniganzon (72279)
• Philippines
2 Feb 19
I only learned about Groundhog Day when I saw the movie of Bill Murray in the 90s. I was a high school student when I saw the movie and learned about such day.
2 people like this
@celticeagle (159359)
• Boise, Idaho
2 Feb 19
Fun movie. The day has been around along time here.
1 person likes this
@spicysweetie21 (2573)
• United States
2 Feb 19
I almost forgot about Groundhogs Day. What a mouthful of a name for that groundhog Phil 
"Groundhogs Day", the movie with Bill Murray, is super funny too, I always think about it around Groundhogs Day
"Groundhogs Day", the movie with Bill Murray, is super funny too, I always think about it around Groundhogs Day2 people like this
@BarBaraPrz (45558)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
2 Feb 19
I hadn't heard that Phil communicates with the president. What happens if your president comes out and sees his shadow?
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (159359)
• Boise, Idaho
2 Feb 19
President? The president of the inner circle.
1 person likes this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
2 Feb 19
in other words it's a bit of a fun made up party kind of like Halloween brought from some belief in the old country. 
that some actually live by. like a superstition.
that some actually live by. like a superstition.1 person likes this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
2 Feb 19
@celticeagle yes very fun stuff from our ancestors. bless their souls 
1 person likes this
@Hannihar (129516)
• Israel
25 Apr 19
@celticeagle
Thank you for sharing that with us.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (95533)
• Marion, Ohio
2 Feb 19
I dont believe the groundhog. He lies too often.
1 person likes this
