Groundhog Day comes around on February 2nd, and it’s my favorite day of the year. Today it’s Groundhog day 2022. If the groundhog sees his shadow we could have 6 more weeks of Winter. But if he doesn’t, we could enjoy an early Spring. What did the groundhog(s) predict for Spring 2022? Scroll to the bottom of this page and I’ll update you after “Phil” sees or doesn’t see his shadow.
What Are Groundhogs?
These furry creatures are part of the marmot family. They’re commonly known as groundhogs. However, they’re also known as woodchucks, ground pigs whistle pigs, Canada marmot, and a bunch of other names.
Cute but Destructive?
Groundhogs are awesome creatures but gardeners and farmers don’t like them because they can be destructive. They make burrows and will eat many commonly grown vegetables (protect your gardens!). Some people dislike groundhogs because their burrows can be destructive to lawns and gardens.
The Basic History of Groundhog Day:
Groundhog Day has its origins in a European tradition. The wisdom is that if a hibernating animal (usually a hedgehog) casts a shadow on February 2nd (Candlemas Day) then winter will last another six weeks. The legend states: “For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day, so far will the snow swirl in May” If no shadow is seen, there will be an early Spring.
When German settlers came to Pennsylvania to settle early in America’s history, they continued the tradition, exchanging the hedgehog for the indigenous groundhog. The charming tradition lives on, not just in Pauxatauny PA but around the country!
Groundhogs are Not Hogs
Groundhogs are not hogs at all. They live in their burrows during the winter. At this time of year, they come out of their burrows to scent mark turf in the forest. Then they go back to their burrows to enhance romance!
Nitche Ned is a wild groundhog
Celebrate Groundhog Day
In the now-classic movie, Groundhog Day, actor Bill Murray plays a reporter, miserably stuck in Punxsutawney for Groundhog Day, He is forced to live the same day over and over and over again.
I can see why some weather folks hate the traditional Groundhog Day Celebration. Devotees of Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil and many grumpy resentful weatherpeople make the trek to Gobblers Knob in Punxsutawney PA very early in the morning. It’s not really near anything and once you’re there to keep warm you are entertained by locals as you sing, jump up and down, and generally try not to freeze (it’s always bitterly cold).
Eventually, the official handlers (in top hats and warm coats) lead a procession to the “stump” on Gobblers Knob where “Punxsutawney Phil” (there are actually more than one. They live in the towns’ library) is placed for the ceremony. They read a proclamation, and then one of the handlers reaches into Phil’s burrow (actually a metal tree trunk) “talks” to Phil, and then tells the crowd what Phil has “said” to him – shadow, or no shadow!
I love Groundhog Day:
No matter what the groundhog “sees” on February 2nd, Spring is coming sooner than later. If he sees his shadow there are 6 more weeks of winter, but if he doesn’t see his shadow there also could be an early Spring!
I really don’t like the cold, short, dark days of Winter. Therefore I always long for an early Spring. Regardless, by February 2nd the days get longer so it’s less dreary. Spring will eventually arrive!
I am sure that the weather folks dread Groundhog Day because they have to stand in the cold in the wee hours of the morning. But I always get up really early to watch it on television. There really should be more celebrations for Groundhog Day. Maybe this year I’ll have a party!
Groundhogs Abound!
Closer to wherever you live there are likely other official groundhogs. Here are some famous weather groundhogs to watch this year. Did they see a shadow, or not?!
1. Punxsutawney Phil (Punxsutawney, Pa.)
2. Staten Island Chuck (Staten Island, N.Y., and official groundhog meteorologist of New York City)
3. General Beauregard Lee (Lilburn, Ga.)
4. Dunkirk Dave (Dunkirk, N.Y.)
5. Chattanooga Chuck (Chattanooga, Tenn.)
6. Buckeye Chuck (Marion, Ohio)
7. Sir Walter Walley (Raleigh, N.C.)
8. Jimmy the Groundhog (Sun Prairie, Wis.)
9. Malverne Mel (Malverne, N.Y.)
10. Holtsville Hal (Holtsville, N.Y.)
11. Woody (Howell, Mich.)
Groundhog Day 2022:
Will we have an early Spring? NO way! Phil predicts six more weeks of Winter. This seems likely, with Winter storms this week. Oh well, better luck in 2023. But no matter, Spring WiLL be here soon. The days are already getting longer, and brighter.
