Groundhog Day (known as Grund'sau dåk, Grundsaudaag, Grundsow Dawg, or Murmeltiertag in Pennsylvania German and Daks Day in Nova Scotia) is a tradition celebrated in parts of the United States and Canada every year on February 2. The holiday is rooted in a superstition from the Pennsylvania Dutch culture: if a groundhog emerges from its burrow and sees its shadow, it will retreat back into its den, predicting six more weeks of winter. If it does not see its shadow, an early spring is expected. In 2025, the groundhog's prediction was for six more weeks of winter.
Observed by:
- United States
- Canada
Type:
Cultural
Significance:
Predicts the arrival of spring
Celebrations:
Determining whether a groundhog sees its shadow after emerging from its burrow
Date:
February 2
Frequency:
Annual
Related to:
Candlemas
While Groundhog Day remains popular in the 21st century, studies show no consistent link between a groundhog seeing its shadow and the actual timing of spring-like weather. The tradition has roots in German-speaking regions, where the badger (German: Dachs) serves as the forecasting animal. In countries like Hungary, the bear fulfills a similar role, while badgers were observed when bears were absent. This weather lore is also connected to the belief that clear weather on the Christian festival of Candlemas predicts a longer winter.
The most famous Groundhog Day celebration takes place in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, featuring a semi-mythical groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil. This ceremony has become the most widely attended, although Grundsow Lodges in Pennsylvania Dutch Country also observe the day. Other cities in both the United States and Canada have adopted the tradition as well.
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