Every year on February 2, Groundhog Day is celebrated all over the country. The event that occurs during this day is quite unusual but is written off as something normal, and no one thinks too much of it. If the groundhog comes out of its hole and sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather, and no shadow means an early spring. The groundhog lives in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, and is named Punxsutawney Phil.

The first Groundhog Day was on February 2, 1887. This day originated from the ancient Christian tradition of Candlemas Day when clergy would bless and distribute candles needed for winter. The candles represented how long and cold the winter would be.

The Germans expanded on this day by choosing a hedgehog to predict the weather. The Germans that settled in Pennsylvania continued the tradition, but changed the hedgehog to a groundhog. This tradition has stayed the same for many years, from then until today.

This unusual holiday has gained a lot of popularity over the years from all kinds of people. A movie was even made about this famous day. The movie titled Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray was released in 1993, telling a story relating to this holiday. It’s about a weatherman who wants to cover the groundhog leaving its hole, he then gets stuck in a blizzard he didn’t predict, and he is forced to live the day over and over until he gets it right.

Despite not being the most normal holiday, Groundhog Day has been a holiday near and dear to the hearts of many for years.