Tag: Ground hog

February 2nd Ground Hog Day

February holidays

Ground Hog Day seems to have started back in the 1800’s by German immigrants who wanted to know if winter was over. So naturally, they checked with a ground hog! (Wouldn’t you!?!) In theory, if the ground hog saw it’s shadow then there would be more winter, if not… spring was just around the corner. (Which it would have been either way) Punxsutawney Phil got started in 1887 in Pennsylvania. He has been a tradition ever since and it is said that 9 out of 10 times, he sees his shadow. Naturally, that all depends on which way you hold him up but then… who can argue with science.

How to celebrate- Go outside and check your own shadow. Go outside and see if there is snow on the ground. Look at the calendar.

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February 2nd National Hedgehog Day

February holidays

The word Hedgehog first appeared in 1450. The animal was also known as the “Urchin” and a “Hedgepig”. For years it was the “Shadow” creature that predicted the end of winter but since it was so small it was replaced in 1887 by the Groundhog, which is a different create. Hedgehogs make good pets but they are a lot more difficult to take care of than people generally think. So make sure you want one before you buy one.

How to celebrate – Get a hedgehog. Choose your pets wisely. See if you can find the hedgehog mentioned in any 1450 literature.

February 2nd Ground Hog Day

February holidays

Punxsutawney Phil is probably the best known ground hog in the world. He has served Punxsutawney, PA since 1887. The general idea is that if the ground hog comes out of his hole and sees his shadow there will be six more weeks of winter, if he does not see his shadow, and stays out for a while, then spring is just around the corner. None of this is scientific of course. February 2nd is traditionally halfway through winter so there will be six more weeks of winter, though they may be milder than those that preceded it.

How to celebrate – Visit Punxsutawney (Either the town or the ground hog) Watch for ground hogs living in your area. Go outside and look for your own shadow, it will do practically the same thing.