Today and every year on February 2nd, millions of people around the world celebrate Groundhog Day. The holiday has been celebrated for over 150 years in the United States, and it’s a day full of superstition and tradition. But do you know why we celebrate Groundhog Day? Here are six facts about Groundhog Day that you may not have known!

Fact #1 – The First Groundhog Day Was Celebrated in 1887

The first official Groundhog Day celebration was held on February 2nd, 1887 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Since then, it has grown to become a national event, with many communities across the country having their own local celebrations.

Fact #2 – The Holiday Is Based On An Old German Superstition

The origins of Groundhog Day can be traced all the way back to an old German superstition. According to this superstition, if a groundhog emerged from its burrow on Candlemas (February 2nd) and saw its shadow, there would be six more weeks of winter weather ahead. If no shadow was seen, then spring would come early! Although this superstition is still widely believed today, modern meteorologists have debunked it as scientifically inaccurate.

Fact #3 – Punxsutawney Phil Is The Official Weather Forecasting Rodent

The most famous groundhog is Punxsutawney Phil from Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. He is considered by many to be the “official” weather forecasting rodent of the United States! On Groundhog Day every year, thousands of people gather at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney to watch Phil emerge from his burrow and predict the arrival of springtime weather (or lack thereof).

Fact #4 – There Are Other Famous Groundhogs Around The World

While Punxsutawney Phil is certainly the most well-known groundhog in America, he isn’t alone! There are several other famous groundhogs around the world who also take part in their own annual weather predictions on February 2nd. Canada’s Wiarton Willie is perhaps Phil’s most famous rival; meanwhile France has Le Marmotton de la Vallee des Baux-de-Provence and Germany has Hamburg Holger I & II—both of whom make their own predictions each year as well!

Fact #5 – Some Cities Have Their Own Local Variations Of The Holiday

In some cities in America (such as Nashville), locals celebrate their own version of Groundhog Day called “Possum Day” or “Opossum Day”. Instead of using a groundhog to predict when spring will arrive each year, they use a possum instead—a much less popular animal than a groundhog but equally effective when it comes to predicting seasonal changes!

Fact #6 – There Is A Popular Movie Based On The Holiday

In 1993 a movie titled “Groundhog Day” was released starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell. The movie follows Murray’s character as he relives the same day over and over again until he eventually learns how to accept responsibility for his actions and move forward with his life. It has since become one of the most beloved films ever made—and even spawned its own musical adaptation which debuted on Broadway in 2017!

Whether you believe in superstitions or not, it seems that every year more and more people are celebrating Groundhog Day—and why not? It’s a great excuse for us all to get together, celebrate nature and embrace our inner child while looking forward to warmer days ahead! So grab your popcorn (or maybe your possum?), sit back and enjoy watching Punxsutawney Phil make his prediction for springtime weather—it could be six weeks or an eternity away! Happy Groundhog Day everyone!

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