Groundhog Day, history: why it is celebrated on February 2 in the United States

What is Groundhog Day about? This famous celebration, which has become an international holiday, is celebrated mainly in USA since centuries. He knows what the origin of the date is and more.

The central party takes place in the city of Punxsutawney, in Pennsylvania (United States), where the community prepares for a year to celebrate with food and music this party that is also celebrated in several states of the country, as well as in Canada and in other countries like Spain.

In general, we will tell that the date tries to predict winter and harvest time, through a marmot. Those faithful to the event consider that these rodents have an accuracy in their predictions of between 75% and 90%, but there are data that show that the overall accuracy is around 39%. Learn more about this story.

WHAT IS THE STORY OF GROUNDHOG DAY?

Groundhog Day has roots in Christian tradition and German folklore. The Punxsutawney Groundhog Day Club reports that in Germany The idea of ​​the weather animal was established, but it was a porcupine. It was said that if he came out of his hibernation and stayed awake, it meant that winter was ending; but if his shadow was seen and he fell asleep again, the locals were preparing for another six weeks of bad weather.

When that holiday came to the United States, it underwent a modification, since in North America there are no native porcupines, so a groundhog was used for that day.

WHY IS GROUNDHOG DAY CELEBRATED ON FEBRUARY 2?

Groundhog Day is celebrated every year on February 2 because this day is considered halfway between the period between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.

In addition, this date is linked to the religious tradition of the Virgen de la Candelaria, which is celebrated on February 2. Candles were brought to the churches to protect the towns from the harshness of winter.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT AND WHAT IS THE PHIL GROUNDHOG PREDICTION LIKE?

Groundhog Day is the time when winter is predicted to end. Since 1887, the town that has given this festival the most fame is the American town of Punxsutawney, located in Pennsylvania, where Phil the groundhog is in charge of the prediction.

The members of the select Inner Circle of the Groundhog Club are in charge of removing the rodent from its lair, on the hill of Globbler’s Knob, on the outskirts of Punxsutawney.

Phil predicts the length of winter. If he steps out of his shelter, watched by thousands of people, and if she sees herself reflected in his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter, if not, spring will start earlier than expected. This tradition was used by farmers to find out if it was a good time to cultivate the field or if they should wait.