Groundhog Day
This holiday is featured in the Obscure Holiday Calendar app with emoji-style visuals, reminders, and daily fun facts.
Overview
Groundhog Day is an American and Canadian tradition celebrated annually on February 2nd, where a groundhog emerging from its burrow is said to predict the arrival of spring. According to folklore, if the groundhog sees its shadow due to clear weather, there will be six more weeks of winter; if it does not see its shadow due to cloudy weather, spring will arrive early.
Observed each year on February 2, Groundhog Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.
Origin and story
The tradition has roots in European weather lore, specifically Candlemas Day, where a badger or hedgehog's shadow was observed to predict the weather.
Punxsutawney Phil, the most famous groundhog, has an official accuracy rate claimed by the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, although meteorological data suggests it is closer to 30-40%.
Quick facts
- DateFebruary 2
- TypeCultural / community observance
- Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams
Also on this date
Ways to observe
- Follow the annual event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.
- Learn how weather folklore developed.
- Compare predictions with actual seasonal changes.
- Watch the movie Groundhog Day.
- Share the tradition with kids.
- Treat it as a fun midpoint of winter.
Fun facts
- The tradition has roots in European Candlemas customs brought to North America by German immigrants.
Sources and attribution
Groundhog Day History (Library of Congress)
Groundhog Day Explained (History.com)
External links may lead to third-party websites.
Continue to
FAQ
- When is Groundhog Day?
- It is observed on February 2 each year.
- What is Groundhog Day?
- Groundhog Day is an American and Canadian tradition celebrated annually on February 2, where a groundhog emerging from its burrow is said to predict the arrival of spring. According to folklore, if the groundhog sees its shadow due to clear weather, there will be six more weeks of winter; if it does not see its shadow due to cloudy weather, spring will arrive early.
- How do people observe Groundhog Day?
- Watch the prediction event, learn the folklore, or share the tradition with others.
Get the app
Thousands of obscure holidays, daily widgets, reminders, and fun facts—free on iOS and Android.