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What is Groundhog Day and why is it celebrated?
What is Groundhog Day and why is it celebrated?
February 2, is known as Groundhog Day
But what are its origins, what is the animal at the center of this delightful annual event ?
Groundhog Day is a popular tradition celebrated in the United States and Canada on February2nd. It comes from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day and sees its shadow, it will retreat to its den. Clear weather on that day means that winter will persist for six more weeks
If it’s cloudy, so the Groundhog does not see its shadow, this means that spring will arrive early.
The Groundhog Day ceremony held at Punxsutawney centers around a semi-mythical groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil. There are many places named after the day and the legend all across town.
The 1993 film Groundhog Day also helped boost recognition of the day in question.
In Canada the day is called “Jour de la Marmotte”
Destination:Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania Author/guide: Gail Gibbons Departure Time: Groundhog day February 2nd
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