Ground Hog Day-Groundhog Day History And Celebration

Pulse

oi-Priya

By Priya Devi

Tuesday, April 24, 2012, 12:42

Ground Hog Day is a significant day for the people in the United States and Canada. Ground Hog Day is celebrated on 2nd February every year. Though celebrated widely in the US, it is Punxsutawney, Pensylvania, which claims worldwide attention with its celebration. It is the day, the advent of Spring time is anticipated, with the withdrawl of the chill Winter.

Groundhog Day History

The advent of Spring is determined by the Ground Hog emerging out of its burrow. While it is out of its burrow, it happens to see its shadow and retreats back to its dwelling, it means that Spring is still six weeks away. If it so happens that the Ground Hog does not see its shadow, and remains above the ground, it is anticipated that Spring has arrived.

The Ground Hog Day is an age old tradition, which traces its origin, several centuries before. It is believed that the Roman legions were responsible for introducing this tradition to the Germans, who in turn on receiving it, came to a conclusion that if the Sun appeared on Candlemas Day and if a hedgehog cast its shadow, then Winter is to prolong for six more weeks.

Ground Hog Day Celebration

Groundhog day is celebrated across the US and most popularly in Punxsutawney.

Sometime in 1800s saw the first Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney. The first trek to Globber's Knob, where the Groundhog was to emerge, was conducted on Feburary 2nd 1887.

The day is celebrated with Fersommlinge-social events, including skits and plays and mouth watering food. An aura of festivity envelops the country.

In Pennsylvania, on that day, people only speak the German dialect, foregoing the English language. Anyone who spoke English paid a penalty of usually a nickel, dime or a quarter per English word spoken.

The tradition of Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania is carried out by a group of people called the Inner Circle, who are local dignitaries. They are responsible for all the activities associated with the Groundhog Day. They are also responsible for feeding the Punxsutawney Phil.

Punxsutawney Phil

Punxsutawney Phil is considered the only Groundhog, who predicts the weather, while the others are considered as imposters. Ground hog Day 2011 is special as it is Punxsutawney Phils 125 prognositcation!

He is usually fed with an elixir, once every Summer on Groundhog Picnic, which is supposed to prolong his life for seven more years. It is believed that there is only one Phil who has been forecasting weather for 125 years.

Punxsutawney Phil emerges out of his burrow on Globber's Knob, in the presence of thousands of folowers to make his weather forecast. It is believed that he speaks to the Groundhog Club president in his Groundhogese language, a language only understood by the president of the Inner Circle. The prediction is then proclaimed to the world.

For those who are doubtful of Punxsutawney Phil's accuracy in prediction, it is affirmed that he has been making hundred percnt accurate predictions, while the meterologists' is about 70% accurate.

A tradition truly observed down the ages.