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Groundhog Day - February 2
Fri, Feb 2, 2024

Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day is an annual American holiday dedicated to groundhogs. It is based on a long tradition, according to which, with the participation of these animals, further weather can be predicted. Celebrated on February 2nd.

History

It is believed that the tradition of predicting the weather by the behavior of a groundhog on this day came from German settlers who moved to Pennsylvania in the 18th century. Today, this state is the central place for the celebration of Groundhog Day.

All people who want to know when spring will come come to Gobbler’s Knob forest. There, in his hole, lives a marmot, whose name is Punxsutawney Phil. He is a real celebrity among the entire animal world. If the sun is shining, and he gets out of the hole, sees his shadow and crawls back, then this means that the winter will drag on for another 6 weeks. If cloudy weather persists (there will be no shade) and the groundhog still left the hole, then this means the imminent arrival of spring.

The tradition of predicting the arrival of spring with the help of a groundhog has not disappeared in the 21st century. At the same time, scientists proved that no connection was found between the groundhog’s behavior on that day and the state of the weather in the following days.

Interesting facts

  • There is a phraseological unit “Groundhog Day”, which became especially popular because of the 1993 film of the same name. It denotes boredom and routine. One gets the impression that a person lives every day the same way. A person needs to find a way out in order to get rid of the “time loop”.
  • Groundhogs have very good eyesight. They will distinguish a person, being at a distance of 400 meters from him.
  • Groundhogs are very helpful in medicine. Animals are used for research on chronic hepatitis B and liver cancer.

How to celebrate

Visit Pennsylvania for the largest Groundhog Day celebrations. Watch today with family or friends the wonderful 1993 comedy film based on this holiday.

Tell about the holiday on social networks. Ask users how they celebrate Groundhog Day.

When is Groundhog Day celebrated in 2024?

Groundhog Day is observed on February 2 each year.

Observations

Weekday Month Day Year
Friday February 2 2024
Sunday February 2 2025
Monday February 2 2026
Tuesday February 2 2027