Groundhog Day 2011 is a holiday celebrated on February 2 in the United States and Canada and anyone can enjoy.According to folklore, if it is cloudy when a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day, it will leave the burrow, signifying that winter will soon end. If on the other hand, it is sunny, the groundhog will supposedly "see its shadow" and retreat back into its burrow, and winter will continue for six more weeks this once yearly occasion is actually a whole lot of fun for all involved. While for many it seems strange and pointless, it’s a chance to enjoy the last few days of winter and celebrate the beginning of spring.
Traditionally, Groundhog Day 2011 was based on the cultural superstition that if a groundhog emerges from his lair, winter will end; if the groundhog supposedly sees its own shadow – winter will continue for another six weeks. For over 200 years, the humble groundhog has been the diviner of the weather.
Today, many believe that Groundhog Day 2011 originated when German settlers immigrated to Pennsylvania. German and Pagan folklore often used animals to predict the weather, and since the 18th century, the celebration has slowly evolved into the nationwide affair that it is today. While the weather predicting virtues of the Groundhogs have been called into question on numerous occasions, the event is still a popular attraction for all ages.
While we might live in a world of technology, for many US residents, it is the humble Groundhog that remains one of the most important tools in predicting the end of winter. It might seem like a strange celebration for many, but Groundhog Day 2011 is an event steeped in tradition, going back centuries. Back then, animals such as badgers and bears were often used to prognosticate the weather, and while today we use the Groundhog, many will tell you that it’s just as accurate! Even though the event is today largely good fun, it’s not stopped many a meteorologist from checking the Groundhog’s accuracy in predicting the end of winter. Looking at all the reports, you’d be surprised to learn that Groundhogs are between 30 and 80% accurate! For such a simple rodent, that’s quite impressive!
Groundhogs, Woodchucks, or Land beavers as they are known are actually rodents belonging to the group of squirrels, known as Marmots. In Canada, the often called a woodchuck, despite the fact that it doesn’t ordinarily climb trees or even chuck wood!
If you’re looking to celebrate Groundhog Day 2011 in style, then Pennsylvania is the “Groundhog Day 2011” capital of the world. In a small town known as Punxsutawney. It’s here where most people gather, at a small tree-stump known as Gobblers Knob, located around 2 miles from the center of town. On February 2, it’s predicated that Punxsutawney Phil will tell us all when winter will end and spring will begin.
Today, these weather-predicting rodents are indeed celebrities. If you go to any Groundhog Day 2011 event in the US or Canada, there will no doubt be a gathering waiting for the local celebrity groundhog to come out of his burrow. Usually, the event also involves celebrations and while it might still seem strange to some, it’s a great deal of fun and as far as followers are concerned, the groundhogs are all 100% accurate.
Throughout the United States and Canada there are well over 20 groundhogs taking part in this important annual celebration. From Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania to Spanish Joe in Northern Ontario, these affectionate creatures deliver the good or bad news every single year. Many of them are even rumored to be immortal.
Groundhog Day 2011 is a fantastic event that’s a great way to get your kids interested about nature, the weather and the environment. With celebrations across the US, you can enjoy this time of year just about anywhere. While indeed the most popular is held at Punxsutawney in Pennsylvania with Punxsutawney Phil, there are indeed countless other celebrations held nationwide.
Surprisingly, despite the popularity of satellites, meteorologists and gadgets such as barometers, the Groundhog is still perhaps one of the most famous meteorological instruments known to man. If you are keen to see just how finely honed the groundhog’s senses are, then taking a trip to Pennsylvania or in fact any place that celebrates Groundhog Day 2011 should deliver an experience that’s at the very least, highly enjoyable.
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