The director Harold Ramis didn't intend for his movie Groundhog Day to be heralded by religious thinkers as an example of how to live life, but that's exactly what happened after it was released in 1993. Every February 2, the members of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club trek to Gobbler's Knob, Punxsutawney Phil's official home just outside of town. The lengths of the candles represented how warm or cold winter would be. SHAPIRO: The Bill Murray comedy about a weatherman who lives the same day over and over has had staying power. "Theyre pretty solitary for most of the year, so the male has no clue where the female is most of the year except when theyre ready to mate," says Penn States Zervanos. Sounds familiar, right? Groundhog Day 2023: When is it and what happens if Phil sees shadow? The most attended Groundhog Day ceremony is held at Punxsutawney in western Pennsylvania, centering around a semi-mythical groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil. Act 2 of "Groundhog Day" is dark. 10 reasons Punxsutawney Phil should NOT see his shadow on Groundhog Day (and why spring is awesome). The little-known shipwreck that inspired Bram Stokers Dracula, Reconstructing the face of a 700-year-old murder victim, Dissecting the Dome of the Rocks centuries of history, An unprecedented look inside Jerusalems Dome of the Rock, Alcohol is killing more women than ever before, Volcanoes dont erupt on schedulebut they have been in Iceland, Heres what happens to your eyes if you look directly at the sun. Groundhogs are known to burrow in fields and pastures, along fences and roadsides, and near building foundations or the bases of trees, leaving mounds of soil at the dig site. MDQyNjY1MDg0YTMxZTllZmFkOWRlZmJmOWI5OTQzMDBiNDBmMDFhNWZhODgy What Is Groundhog Day and Why Do We Care? MURRAY: (As Phil) A thousand people freezing their butts off, waiting to worship a rat. WILLIAMS: Yeah. The earliest recorded mention of this come from the Punxsutawney Spirit newspaper from 1886, which read: up to the time of going to press, the beast has not seen its shadow. However, the first official Groundhog Day celebration was the following year. Another measure of success? According to the folklore, a sunny Candlemas Day means a longer winter. Phil . Updated: August 18, 2023 | Original: February 2, 2012. "He became the one to prophesize whether winter would come or not.". Here's are all of his results since 1887: Here are the past 10 predictions made byPunxsutawney Phil: Follow Jordan Mendoza on Twitter:@jordan_mendoza5. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. If the groundhog comes out of its hole and sees its shadow, we are in store for 40 more days of winter. It's silly to think the burrowing forecaster will predict an early spring. There can be several levels to their burrows, says Zervanos. Bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes. eyJtZXNzYWdlIjoiYzVlMjQyZjlkODllZGFkY2M1NTYyMTA3YWQ5NGI3MGIy What is Groundhog Day and do the forecasts work? Microplastics are hidden in your home. SHAPIRO: Today is not just the day that Punxsutawney Phil looks for his shadow. Geography: Groundhogs are found from the eastern and central United States northward across Canada and into Alaska. Fish out that woodchuck (keep the liquid) and remove the meat from the bones. Be Mindful. This year is also the 25th anniversary of the movie "Groundhog Day." (SOUNDBITE OF FILM, "GROUNDHOG DAY") MURRAY . Philosophy of Groundhog Day: You Can't Escape Until You - Collider It's that time of year, when the fate of the nation's weather outlook rests on not whether a woodchuck could chuck wood, but if a woodchuck can cast a silhouette. Groundhog Day: What it is and why it exists | CNN If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. If Phil leaves his burrow and looks at all the people whove gathered around, winter will end soon. Get HISTORYs most fascinating stories delivered to your inbox three times a week. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. (James Robinson | jrobinson@pennlive.com). Read on to find out. YzcwYzAxY2MxYjBmMDdiM2M5NjlmMTI4NzNjNTdlM2ExOWJhMzU2YWJhZTVk NjM2MDU0YTNiMzM3MmU1YTdhMjJiM2U1MzMzMjBjMjcxNjFkZmVhNDRjMjUx But woolly bear caterpillars arent the best prognosticators, either: While their bands may vary from year to year, researchers have found the variation is due to last years weather, not the upcoming winter. Chiles glaciers are dying. How does Groundhog Day actually work? How does the groundhog myth work? - Remodel or Move Although some states have in some cases adopted their own groundhogs, the official groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, lives at Gobbler's Knob near Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. "True hibernators are the ones that can reduce their body temp below 20 degrees Celsius [68 degrees Fahrenheit]," says Zervanos. Here's what we know: Latethe night before, the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club bringsthe groundhog to Gobbler's Knob so he can settle in and prepare for the festivities ahead. To this. HAROLD RAMIS: My mother-in-law lived for 35 years in a Zen Buddhist meditation center. What happens if the groundhog sees its shadow? Groundhogs have many colorful names, including "whistle-pig" for their tendency to emit short, high-pitched whistles. Now you can watch the entire NBA season or your favorite teams on streaming. HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate. In the case of Groundhog Day, theyre given a little nudge to wake up. After he comes out into the early morning light, the Groundhog Club president listens close and translates Phil's forecast from Groundhogese to English. M2IwYTEzOThmZDg5OWE4NGYwY2JkMDdmZWVlNDA3MmI1N2FjYzI3Yzk4NDlk NmM2N2UxN2ViYWQ3NTQ1MDQ0ZWMzNGMzM2EzZjI1Y2RmZjVkZjE5YmUxNmZi Groundhogs detest the scent of garlic, lavender, basil, chives, lemon balm, mint, sage, thyme, rosemary, and oregano. According to the Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau and the Punxsutawney Area Chamber of Commerce, Groundhog Day rakes in over $1 million every year. Groundhog Day | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary Generated by Wordfence at Tue, 22 Aug 2023 13:10:07 GMT.Your computer's time: document.write(new Date().toUTCString());. Studies by the National Climatic Data Center and the Canadian weather service have yielded a dismal success rate of around 50 percent for Punxsutawney Phil. YjkxNTY4NGFhNzVjN2E1NWMwM2MzMzE5ODZiOTQ0NmEwMzY3MjE2ZmI5ODcw In the United States and Canada, Groundhog Day is a popular tradition celebrated every year on February 2. The first official Groundhog Day celebration took place on February 2, 1887, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. You can actually hear it. Please be respectful of copyright. Your access to this site was blocked by Wordfence, a security provider, who protects sites from malicious activity. Its body temperature can drop from about 99 degrees Fahrenheit to as low as 37 F, according to NWF. Groundhog Day | History, Punxsutawney Phil, & Facts | Britannica Groundhogs are known as "true hibernators," going into a dormant statein which their body temperature and heart rate fall dramaticallyfrom late fall until late winter or early spring. But it definitely changed my relationship with time. It curls into what appears to be a lifeless ball. WILLIAMS: I feel it's so resonant right now because I look around me and everything I see or read seems to be about maximizing your time and maximizing your efficiency. "They have a burrow for hibernating, and then they have another section of the burrow that's more like their summer home where they can come out more easily.". According to tradition, if the bugs have more orange than black coloring in autumn, the upcoming winter will be mild. ODcwOTcyYWZjNDhjMzI4M2QwZmFmMDUzYmUzZGZhOWQwMjc3YTZkZGUwMTli By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our, Katherine Rodriguez | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. Across the US there are several other oracle Groundhogs, and although not as tenured Staten Island Chuck has had a better record getting the past ten out of eleven years right. Stormfax, an independent almanac that has been tracking the results of Groundhog Day events since 1887, claims that Phil is right just 39% of the time. -----END REPORT-----. Feb. 2 is 40 days after Christmas and is known as Candlemas. [citation needed] According to folklore, if a groundhog emerges from its hole and sees its shadow, it gets scared and scurries back into its burrow, predicting six. The men trekked to a site called Gobblers Knob, where the inaugural groundhog became the bearer of bad news when he saw his shadow. I had metastatic cancer and I still spend way too much time looking at Instagram. But if Candlemas Day is mild or brings rain. MTIzZjhhYWRjYWRhZDc4NGU2MWMwY2I2ZDJiNjJhM2QzZDMwNzczNzI0Njhh Groundhog Day is an astronomy holiday MARY ELIZABETH WILLIAMS: Thank you for having me. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 7/1/2023). In captivity, groundhogs reportedly live up to 14 years. [They're] about as asocial as you can get," says Thorington. N2NhOTU0YzgxMzdhOTBlMDg5MTcwNTgwZThjNjI3ZmM5NzQ2NDI0MGE3NTg5 In some cases, groundhogs have more than one residence and move from one burrow to another. "Any of the true hibernators can [also] reduce their heart rate down to about five beats a minute, and their body temperature can go as low as [41 degrees Fahrenheit]," he adds. SHAPIRO: We actually have a clip of the director, Harold Ramis, who was famous for "Ghostbusters" and "Caddyshack" and other legendary comedies that were maybe a little less profound. The first Groundhog Day took place Feb. 2, 1887, at Gobblers Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa., according to History.com. YjE1Zjk3ZjZiMjBhNDYzYjBiYWQ5M2YwNzUxYWNmMTdhYWI0ZTAxZWRlZGQz More impartial sources boast that Phil has been right 50% of the time over the last decade, with the groundhogs total accuracy ranging between 35% and 40%. YWM1ZTk2OTE3Njc0ZTEzMGNjY2ZhY2VjOTcyYzA3NWZhMjNlNzUzYjEzNzRm Link Copied! They then read the prognostication aloud to the gathered crowd. Since making his first prediction in 1887,Punxsutawney Phil has been right 39% of the time, according to the Stormfax Weather Almanac. Also known as woodchucks, groundhogs are true hibernatorsgoing into a dormant state from late fall until late winter or early spring. The statistical probability of getting a coin toss right is 50 percent. We strive for accuracy and fairness. How does Groundhog Day actually work? - lehighvalleylive.com It's perfect because what is "Groundhog Day"? Theyll do this for about a week, then wake up for three or four days, then go back into torpor. YjFlYjRjOTA0MjMyZGFkZjU3MzkxNDc3NWNlYjc4YjQ0MDkzMTU1ZWQzODFj Size and Weight: A groundhog can weigh up to about 13 pounds and has a body length of up to 20 inches. SHAPIRO: Rough plot outline - in this movie, Bill Murray's character starts out as kind of an awful person. The visits likely allow the animals to get to know each other before breeding in March. "[Groundhogs are] the most widely distributed marmot of all of them, [with a range stretching] as far south as northern Alabama to northern Canadaand some are even found in Alaska," says Stam Zervanos, retired professor of biology at Pennsylvania State University in Reading, who's conducted extensive research on groundhogs. Germans developed their own take on the legend, pronouncing the day sunny only if badgers and other small animals glimpsed their own shadows. Thousands gather at Gobbler's Knob to see Punxsutawney Phil's announcement that he sees his shadow and that there will be 6 more weeks of winter Feb. 2, 2017. The annual ritual has roots in pre-Christian traditions and was brought to the U.S. by German immigrants. If Phil doesn't see his shadow, he predicts an early spring. 8 Ideas for How to Get Rid of Groundhogs They are strict herbivores and eat a variety of vegetables including soybeans, beans, peas, carrot tops, alfalfa and . Their feet are darker, and their underparts are buff. But they wake up early for love. Since 1887, Punxsutawney Phil has predicted the weather outlook 127times, as there have been only 10 instances where it was not recorded or he did not appear. In other words, the window of opportunity is very small and the wily woodchuck has to get it just right. But massive crowds arent the only way to measure Phils success. ZWVlYjc0ZmNiNGU0NWNlOWE2MDRiMmQwNDczZjEyODJhZDViZWJkMTIxYzFi It's been a pleasure. All rights reserved. Groundhogs have to know just when to emerge from hibernation to mate so that their offspring will have the best chance of survival. YjMxZGFmMzM1YjNkYjcxYjE2ODYxNTdjNDZlOTc1MjNkZTUwZDVlMjBjZTVm Who were the women Jack the Ripper killed? Groundhogs spend the winter hibernating in their burrows, significantly reducing their metabolic rate and body temperature; by February, they can lose as much as half their weight. Groundhogs fatten themselves up in the fall before they lay down for a long winters sleep. Every day's 'Groundhog Day'. Here's how to break up the monotony of "When the Europeans came over here, they didn't have any hedgehogs or badgers to lay the blame on, so I think the groundhog got it by being here and being a good size," speculates Thorington. "They dig fairly extensive burrows, and tractors can break an axle [driving over them]," says Zervanos. Undoubtedly, the celebrations in Punxsutawney involve the most pomp and circumstance. According to NWF, mating does not take place at this time. The groundhog tradition is thought to have originated in the 1800s and over time has become a staple in America's culture. They feed heavily in summer and early fall, accumulating huge fat reserves for their winter hibernation. How to Get Rid of Groundhogs - The Old Farmer's Almanac Last year he got it half right when he predicted six more weeks of winter, even though the it was quite cloudy with a fair amount of snow falling. Of course, the weather conditions on Feb. 2 at single locations like Sun Prairie or Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, tells us nothing about the weather for the rest of the winter season. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Place traps in front of burrow entrances or in the garden. The 10 best European countries for retirement. Since the 1960s, members of Phils Inner Circle, who handle Phil and read out his predictions in the Pennsylvania Dutch dialect, have shown their respect by donning top hats and suits on the day. It can stretch anywhere from eight to 66 feet long. MWQ5ZDc0MDE4ZjIwZWZmYjM0MTM4OGQ3YTE0MDYwMjA5NDYwNWQ0YjliMDY1 The economic impact Pennsylvanias most unique holiday has on the town of Punxsutawney and surrounding communities is astounding, Kelly Walker, spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Tourism Bureau, told Time. Groundhogs display an uncanny knack for good timing. So how much wood could a woodchuck chuck? How Does Groundhog Day Work? Here's why it's important. To get rid of groundhogs in your garden, crush some garlic and pepper and throw it into their burrows. The official start of spring is 20 March, but the weather doesnt always follow the celestial calendar. It is not a federal holiday, meaning banks, mail services, trash services, schools, grocery stores, federal offices, local governments, libraries and stock markets will be open. WILLIAMS: I think it has such amazing durability for a couple of reasons. They typically roam within 2-3 acres outside of their own burrow. Cover the trap with an old blanket to calm the groundhog. Experts weigh in on what your girl dinner should include. People line up for the gates to open at 3 a.m., and there is entertainment--music, dancing and fireworks--until dawn. Unauthorized use is prohibited. N2I3MzQ5NzM0MGY1MGRiMWFiYjJmMDY4Yzg1ZDQ3YTM4NjFhM2YzMmM1ZmU3 By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our. MTQzMDMwMzQ1YzJmMGVmOTlhNWFkMWRiZmE2Y2M0YzQ3ODczNzAwNjg5MDdk OGM1MjY1OWRmMzI1ODNjYzg3OGQwNTk4NmJjM2YxNjE2NDYwNTMyZmJmMTI2 Groundhog Day 2023 is Thursday, Feb. 2. What Is Groundhog Day and Why Do We Care? MGFlZThiNTM4Mjk3Y2VkMzY3MWQ5NGM4OGI0MmEzMjNlNjQwNjIzZmE5MmM4 Why does Groundhog Day exist? NDkyMWRiYmJjZTQ0ZmQyNjZhYjA0YTQxNGRjMTlhMjY1MjdjMGY5OWNlMDAw And they all said this movie was clearly a metaphor for the teachings that their group subscribes to. When German immigrants settled Pennsylvania in the 18th and 19th centuries, they brought the custom with them, choosing the native groundhog as the annual forecaster. What is Groundhog Day? | Grammarly Groundhog Day: Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, 6 more weeks of - CNN Groundhog Day, in the United States and Canada, day (February 2) on which the emergence of the groundhog ( woodchuck) from its burrow is said to foretell the weather for the following six weeks. How does Groundhog Day work? Chuck has had a couple of moments in the national spotlight, like the time he bit Mayor Michael Bloomberg in 2009. Punxsutawney Phil gets ready to take center stage. Dereume holds Punxsutawney Phil, the weather prognosticating groundhog, Wednesday during the 136th celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa. Each year groundhogs enjoy 15 minutes of fameand then most people proceed to forget about them completely. NWJhMGIyMGU1Yzk1ZmRiYmFhMjUzNTg0ZWQ4ODY4Y2VlOTlkZjU4NzkxMDMy Here's how Groundhog Day works and how we know what Punxsutawney Phil WILLIAMS: Exactly. What is the history and origin of Groundhog Day? NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. He has seen his shadow the most, as he has predicted a longer winter 107(84%) times. Groundhogs (Marmota monax) are a type of rodent known as a marmot, and marmots are closely related to squirrels. On average 20,000 shivering citizens participate in Groundhog Day particularly impressive considering that the Punxsutawney is home to just under 6,000. Some animal rights groups have long taken issue with Groundhog Day, arguing that these shy animals should not be put on display or interrupted from their natural hibernation cycle. Published 10th Jan 2022, 14:10 BST Updated 2nd Feb 2022, 20:15 BST The Bill Murray comedy film has become a classic since it was released in 1993. When he was held up to Mayor Jonathon Freuds ear, he was apparently not happy to have been disturbed from his slumber and promptly took a bite. Groundhogs build intricate homes. Unbeknownst to them, the waters natural chemistry slows the decay of human remains. MTMxOGRhMGUyNzMwZWI2MzQ1N2ExM2I1OTljZDFiN2ZlZDIzMjAxZTc3Zjg5 How Groundhog Day changed my life | Groundhog Day | The - The Guardian None, apparently. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. According to folklore, if a groundhog emerges from its hole and sees its shadow, it gets scared and scurries back into its burrow, predicting six more weeks of winter. And this was almost a decade ago. What is Gullah Geechee food and how do you make it? Order: | Rodentia Habitat: Groundhogs are most commonly found along forest edges, meadows, open fields, roads and streams. The annual ritual has roots in pre-Christian traditions and was brought to the U.S. by . 01:18 - Source: CNN. They do not like the smell and sting of cayenne pepper. Mjk2OGY4ZGYwNTU0ODMwMzMwYzAwYjk0MWFjNzE4OTQ4NGUxMzE2N2IzMWVk It is believed that if a groundhog emerging from its burrow on this day sees its shadow, it will retreat to its den and winter will persist for six more weeks. MTZhMGMwMzhlMmM2ZDg5NjNiYTc1NWFkYmQ0NjliZGMyZjc4MTRiNzkyMDA3 If the groundhog does not see its shadow, the prediction is that there will be an early spring. ZjcxZDdjODEzM2Y5MTVkNWM1ZDViZjYzMjk4MGYxOGYzNTVlMDRiOGIzOTQ1 Deter With Garlic and Pepper. Groundhog Day 2022: what is it, what day is it on - and meaning explained This is similar to a 150-pound man scarfing down a 15-pound steak. Groundhog Day - Wikipedia 10 reasons Punxsutawney Phil SHOULD see his shadow on Groundhog Day (and why winter is the best). I guess this is Groundhog Day.
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