Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day Quick Facts - CA

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2024 DateFebruary 2, 2024
2025 DateFebruary 2, 2025

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Groundhog Day

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Groundhog Day is a folk tradition celebrated across North America on February 2, aimed at predicting the arrival of spring. Largely observed in Canada and the United States, the popular custom is based upon the belief that the emergence of a groundhog from its burrow on this day can help determine the duration of winter. With a keen eye on the groundhog's response to the weather, the tradition dictates that if the creature spies its shadow due to a bright, sunny day and retreats back into its burrow, it means winter will persist for another six weeks. However, if the day turns out to be cloudy and the groundhog remains outdoors, it is believed that spring is close at hand.

The origins of Groundhog Day can be traced back to ancient European customs, particularly those derived from the Celtic festival of Imbolc and the Christian holiday of Candlemas. The observance was first adopted by Canadian settlers in the 18th and 19th centuries, who brought these traditions from their European homelands. Groundhog Day has gained particular significance in Canada due to the country's unpredictable and often harsh winters. Canadians keenly anticipate the groundhog's prediction each year, as it provides a glimpse of hope and even a touch of amusement amidst the long, cold months.

In Canada, Groundhog Day is marked by various events and celebrations, with communities often hosting festivities centered around a local groundhog. The most noteworthy of these events is held in Wiarton, Ontario, where the prominent groundhog Wiarton Willie has been making his predictions since 1956. Each year, crowds gather to witness Willie's anticipated decision on the arrival of spring, with the spectacle often accompanied by music, entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

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Facts about Groundhog Day

  • The tradition of using an animal to predict the weather was brought to Pennsylvania by German immigrants. Groundhogs were used unlike in Germany where they instead used badgers and bears. The original German holiday Candlemas Day occurs on February 2nd between the Winter solstice and the spring equinox. If the sun comes out on that day, it means there will be six more weeks of winter.
  • The Groundhog emerges from his hole after a long winter sleep to look for his shadow. If it is sunny and he sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter and he will return to his hole. If it is cloudy and he does not see his shadow, he will stay above ground as spring is on its way.
  • Groundhogs, otherwise known as woodchucks, are rodents. They hibernate throughout the winter.
  • According to folklore, if the groundhog sees its shadow on Groundhog Day, it signals six more weeks of winter. If it does not see its shadow, it means an early spring is on its way.
  • The groundhog is a member of the squirrel family (Sciuridae) and is one of the 14 species of marmots found in North America, Asia, and Europe. It is scientifically known as Marmota monax.

Top things to do in Canada for Groundhog Day

  • Watch Phil emerge from his hole live via television.
  • Watch the movie Groundhog Day (1993) starring Bill Murray.
  • Attend the Wiarton Willie Festival: Instead of Punxsutawney Phil, Canadians celebrate Groundhog Day with Wiarton Willie. The festival in Wiarton, Ontario, is a four-day family event that includes concerts, hockey games, ice carvings, a chili cook-off, and of course, the Groundhog Day prediction event.
  • Throw a Groundhog Day watch party with friends and family!

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