Every year, during the month of February, many events are celebrated such as Valentines day and black history month. One of the many events that are celebrated is Groundhog Day, which is celebrated in Pennsylvania, and is known all throughout the nation.
It seems like this furry friend has gotten the spotlight every Feb. 2, since 1877. This year, The groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, did not see his shadow after coming out of his burrow, symbolizing the arrival of Spring much quicker than expected. I know you are wondering—Phil? Out of all names?
How did this groundhog get such a name?
The groundhog’s name came from the inspiration of King Phillip’s name, and so they named the widely known groundhog, Phil. The name Punxustawney comes from the area settled by Germans when they first came to America. In the 1700s, Germans began to settle in America, and many settled in Pennsylvania, during that time, the area where they settled was called Punxustawney which means “the town of the sand flies.” To commemorate the Germans settlement, they named the famous groundhog Punxustawney Phil.
How did the celebration of the Groundhog come to begin?
According to The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, they say the celebration starts all the way back in 350 AD, Catholic Church members got candles and brought them to church to keep warm from the cold harshes of winter. Once the Germans came to America, they spread this belief of Catholic Candlemas to America, and on Feb. 2, 1877 the first Groundhog day was held at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and Phil has become popular for his weather predictions ever since.
How come a groundhog was chosen for groundhog day?
Well, did you know that when German settlers came to America, they couldn’t find hedgehogs in Pennsylvania, they did however find plenty of groundhogs, and so they switched the animal from hedgehog to groundhog.
Every Feb. 2, remember to keep an eye out for Punxsutawney Phil’s weather prediction, we could either get six more weeks of winter or an early Spring, let’s see what Phil has to say next year.
