Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day History

Groundhog Day is a tradition celebrated mostly in North America, rooted in folklore and weather prediction. The day revolves around a groundhog, a rodent from the marmot family, and its behaviour is used as a mechanism to predict the arrival of spring. If the groundhog emerges from its burrow and sees its shadow, it means there will be six more weeks of winter; if it does not, it signifies an early spring. Celebrated in various forms, it is most famous in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, featuring a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil.

The origins of Groundhog Day trace back to ancient European weather lore, where a badger or sacred bear was the weather-prognosticator instead of a groundhog. It was brought to Pennsylvania in the 18th and 19th centuries by German immigrants who observed Candlemas, a Christian holiday. For Australians, this tradition may seem peculiar, but it’s comparable to the Indigenous Australian methods of observing animal behaviour for weather and seasonal predictions. Mustering similar sentiments, Australia has its own Groundhog Day events, albeit lighthearted and auxiliary, where local fauna like the wombat or echidna take on the role of the meteorologist.

Although the groundhog itself is not found in Australia, variations of Groundhog Day are still observed, primarily for entertainment purposes. In zoos or wildlife parks across the country, many hold events using local animals, such as wombats or echidnas, to 'predict' the weather. However, it is not widely observed and is viewed more as a cultural novelty than a serious weather forecaster. Just like in North America, Groundhog Day in Australia falls on the 2nd of February.

Facts about Groundhog Day

• The tradition of using an animal to predict the weather was brought to Pennsylvania by German immigrants. Groundhogs were used unlike in Germany where they instead used badgers and bears. The original German holiday Candlemas Day occurs on February 2nd between the Winter solstice and the spring equinox. If the sun comes out on that day, it means there will be six more weeks of winter.
  
• The Groundhog emerges from his hole after a long winter sleep to look for his shadow. If it is sunny and he sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter and he will return to his hole. If it is cloudy and he does not see his shadow, he will stay above ground as spring is on its way.
• Groundhogs, otherwise known as woodchucks, are rodents. They hibernate throughout the winter.
• In the wild, groundhogs hibernate during winter months, a behavior that is not applicable in Australia's more temperate climates.
• Instead of groundhogs, Australia has similar burrowing animals called wombats. While they don't play a role in weather prediction, they are beloved native animals.

In the News and Trending in Australia for Groundhog Day

Top things to do in Australia for Groundhog Day

• Watch Phil emerge from his hole live via television.
• Watch the movie Groundhog Day (1993) starring Bill Murray.
• Host a 'Groundhog Day' Movie Night – Watch the classic film starring Bill Murray, have some popcorn, invite friends over and enjoy.
• Read a book to learn more about Groundhogs:
  Mr. Moundshroud's Garden - (2007): Although not entirely about groundhogs, this children’s book by Douglas A. Fowler features a significant subplot involving a groundhog.
  Gregory's Shadow - (2002): This is a picture book by Don Freeman, where a groundhog named Gregory becomes separated from his shadow.