Celebrating Groundhog Day

Celebrating Groundhog Day!

February 2nd, in the middle of dreary winter days, Groundhog Day brings hope for sunny warm Spring days. Groundhog Day is a festive folklore tradition especially embraced in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, home of Phil the Groundhog.

If, Punxsutawney Phil peeks from his burrow and sees his shadow, six more weeks of winter are declared. No shadow? Spring will soon be here! While not scientifically proven, the ritual is a delightful distraction from cold winter days.

The roots of this whimsical custom date back centuries to European traditions. Hungary and Romania based their Spring predictions on bear shadows. German immigrants brought their own version of the tradition to the United States, replacing the badger with the ubiquitous groundhog.

Groundhog Day is celebrated in other areas of North America too. There is General Beauregard Lee in Georgia, and Wiarton Willie in Canada – each adding their own flair to the tradition. Whether the Groundhogs' pronouncements come true or not, Groundhog Day remains a delightfully fun holiday to celebrate. It's a reminder that even amidst winter's chill, hope, like a stubborn groundhog, peeks out, ready to greet the sun.

Chase away the winter blues - send the cards, raise a mug, stick the stickers! Celebrate Groundhog Day in anticipation of warm Spring days!


Look for more Groundhog fun in my Zazzle Groundhog collection.