Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day History

Groundhog Day is an tradition where the reaction of a groundhog is used to predict the progression of winter. According to folklore, if the groundhog sees its shadow due to clear weather, it will retreat back to its burrow, indicating six more weeks of winter. However, if there is no shadow due to overcast skies, it signifies an early spring.

The origin of Groundhog Day dates back to the ancient European celebration of Candlemas day, a midpoint between the winter solstice and spring equinox. Over time, German-speaking immigrants to America, known as the Pennsylvania Dutch, introduced the observance to the US. They replaced the hedgehog, originally used in medieval times, with the groundhog, native to their Pennsylvanian communities. Today, Groundhog Day remains a cultural curiosity and is majorly associated with the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, thanks to the 1993 Hollywood movie "Groundhog Day."

In the United States, the most famous celebration of Groundhog Day takes place in Punxsutawney, where thousands gather at Gobbler’s Knob. At sunrise, Punxsutawney Phil, the local celebrity groundhog, is coaxed out of his burrow to predict the season's length. The day is replete with music, food, and various entertainments designed to entertain the large crowds. This tradition is observed annually on the 2nd of February, a date chosen due to its proximity to Candlemas.

Top 10 Facts for Groundhog Day in 2026

• According to the legend maintained by the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, the resident groundhog maintains his immortality by consuming a secret beverage known as the Elixir of Life during an annual summer picnic.
• The members of the Inner Circle, who traditionally conduct the ceremony in tuxedos and top hats, claim to receive the weather forecast from the groundhog in a unique language known as Groundhogese.
• The origins of the holiday are rooted in the ancient German custom of Dachstag, or Badger Day, which suggested that if a badger saw its shadow on the Christian feast of Candlemas, winter would be prolonged.
• The name of the town Punxsutawney is derived from a Native American term that translates to the town of the sand flies.
• The 1993 film Groundhog Day is frequently analyzed by scholars for its deep exploration of philosophical and spiritual themes such as Redemption, Samsara, and Eternal Recurrence.
• During the years of Prohibition, the groundhog reportedly issued a threat to cast sixty weeks of winter upon the world if he were not allowed a drink of "the hard stuff."
• For the 2026 observance, the city of Chicago is hosting a special Harold Ramis Day celebration that serves as a crossover event with the classic comedy National Lampoon's Animal House.
• Punxsutawney Phil has a companion named Phyllis who lives with him year-round in a climate-controlled enclosure located at the local town library.
• Statistical evaluations of the groundhog's performance reveal that his predictions have a historical accuracy rate of approximately forty percent, which is lower than random chance.
• The official weather-predicting ceremony is held at a site approximately two miles outside of town known as Gobbler's Knob.

In the News and Trending in the US for Groundhog Day

Top things to do in the US for Groundhog Day

• Watch Phil emerge from his hole live via television.
• Watch the movie Groundhog Day (1993) starring Bill Murray.
• Visit Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and see Phil the groundhog in person.
• Make a bet with yourself: If he sees his shadow - complete one chore, if he doesn't see his shadow - treat yourself to something fun.
• Host a Groundhog Day party. Record the emergence of Phil from his hole and play it back at the party. Several days before the party, have all of the attendees send in their prediction regarding whether Phil will see his shadow. Have small prizes for the winners.