_ Groundhog Day is celebrated in the United States and Canada
on February 2nd. Based on trying to guess when winter is going to
end, the tradition holds that if the groundhog (Marmota monax_) pops
his head out but sees a shadow when emerging from its burrow, and
pops back down, winter will go on for another six weeks. But, if it
doesn't see its shadow, and the groundhog comes out of its burrow,
then it's thought that winter will be over soon.[1] [1]
!! Steps !!
Study the origins of Groundhog Day. This is especially fun if done
as a family, where you can sit down with the kids and do some
research into the origins of the event. Can you find any
particularly interesting or quirky Groundhog Days in the past? This
Candlemas Day event has similarities to rituals performed a long
time ago by the Celts (a festival called "Imbolc"), which later
transformed in part to the German tradition of Candlemas. It is also
said that the Romans celebrated a similar event which also held that
if a hedgehog emerging from its hibernation in the moonlight could
see its shadow, there would be six more weeks of winter.[2] [2]
Groundhog Day celebration at Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania
Visit a town where Groundhog Day is celebrated, if you get the
chance. Groundhog Day is a big deal in some towns, especially in the
town of Punxsutawney in Pennsylvania, where groundhog Punxsutawney
Phil is ritually taken up to Gobbler's Knob each year and is placed
into an artificial burrow on a false tree stump.[3] [3]
* Punxsutawney makes it a weekend celebration, so if you have the
time, go up a few days beforehand and join in the festivities.
Visit the official Groundhog Day website for more information on
the ongoing events.[4] [4]
* In Pennsylvania, Groundhog lodges hold early morning celebrations
that involve food, games, speeches, and songs in the Pennsylvanian
German dialect.
Watch Punxsutawney Phil emerge from the burrow. This happens at
daybreak, around 7:25AM,[5] so you'll need to be located in a good
spot if you're in Punxsutawney, or up ready to watch it on TV [5].
Many news stations will carry the event live on morning shows; if
you're not sure, call or email your local station for information.
* Watch to see whether or not he emerges from his burrow. Be
prepared for a longer winter if he sees a shadow!
Watch Bill Murray's 1993 movie _Groundhog Day_. This movie is a
beloved classic that features Bill Murray stuck in time again and
again and again until he finally sorts out his life and gets things
right with the people around him. It's fun and a great excuse to
snuggle up with popcorn, family, and friends and have a good laugh
together.
Consider holding a Groundhog Day party. It's always good to have an
excuse to have a party, and this is a fun one. Since an early
morning party is probably not much fun, consider taping Punxsutawney
Phil's emergence for the party so that you can play it back for
everyone. Prior to the party day, have everyone make small wagers on
whether or not he'll see his shadow. Show the film and award those
who guessed correctly a small prize, such as a chocolate groundhog.
* Draw or print groundhog pictures. Use them to decorate the party
room. Make decorative groundhogs for labeling food on the table,
and try to make a groundhog centerpiece.
* Ask guests to come dressed as a groundhog. At least, as good a
groundhog as they can be using paper bags, etc.!
* Play pass the hog. Find a groundhog toy (or turn a stuffed toy
into a groundhog as near as you can). Have one person play music
with their back turned to everyone else so that they don't know
who is holding the groundhog whenever they stop the music. Have
the party guests stand or sit in a circle. Pass the groundhog
around until the music stops. Whoever is holding the hog is out of
the game. Play the music again until there is only one person left
holding the groundhog, who is then the winner!
* Lay paper on the floor and place a lamp in a strategic spot. Trace
around people's shadows and have the kids color them in.
* Play shadow tag or do shadow play against a wall. You could award
prizes for the best shadow creatures made, or for the best shadow
groundhog if you're really keen.
Make groundhog day cookies or other baked goods and food. Shaping
food into a groundhog is fun for kids and kids-at-heart alike.
Whether you're holding a party or just wanting to make some snacks,
this is a great way to get into the Groundhog Day spirit.
Groundhog meatloaf Make a meatloaf in the shape of a groundhog.
Make some groundhog cupcakes.
Make a chart to see what really happens to the weather from this
day until you feel like it's really spring. Did the groundhog get
it right?
!! Video !!
!! Tips !!
* Did you know that groundhogs are also known as woodchucks or
whistling pigs? The latter name is meant to convey their high
pitched sounds they make to communicate.
* You'll need to make travel reservations well in advance if you're
going to Punxsutawney as it's a major annual event.
* Ask your friends and family to get involved with this event.
* If watching a groundhog poke his head out of his burrow even on TV
is fun, a simple nature walk will be _amazing_. Go out and enjoy
nature. If you have children, take them with you.
!! Warnings !!
* Dress adequately if you're outdoors waiting to see Punxsutawney
Phil. Keep near the bonfire if you're feeling especially chilly!
* It's recommended that you don't subject small children to the
Gobbler's Knob event as it is cold and crowded.
!! Things You'll Need !!
* Warm clothing if attending an event
* TV
* Party gear and food
!! Related WikiHows !!
* How to Make Groundhog Day Cookies
* How to Add Color to a Winter Wardrobe
* How to Enjoy Winter
* How to Buy Boots for Spring
* How to Hold a Hot Chocolate Party
* How to Throw a Progressive Dinner Party
!! Sources And Citations !!
!! Article Tools !!
* Read on wikiHow
*
Links:
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[1] http://bemoreconfident.info/#_note-0
[2] http://bemoreconfident.info/#_note-1
[3] http://bemoreconfident.info/#_note-2
[4] http://bemoreconfident.info/#_note-3
[5] http://www.wikihow.com/Category:TV-Viewing-and-Shows
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