Groundhog Day is an annual traditional that occurs every year on February 2nd. Legend has it that if a groundhog comes out of his burrow and sees his shadow, he'll be frightened and run back to his home and hibernate, signifying six more weeks of winter. If however he doesn't see his shadow, he'll stay out and spring will come six weeks early. There are many weather prognosticating groundhogs around the world and many Groundhog Day celebrations. Arguably the most famous groundhog is Punxsutawney Phil who lives in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where there are huge Groundhog Day celebrations every year. Other towns and cities have their own groundhogs and celebrations as well including Staten Island Chuck on Staten Island in New York City, New York and Balzac Billy in Balzac, Alberta, Canada.
~~~~most of the information, pictures etc in this post are from http://countdowntogroundhogday.com/ ,please visit it this site for more fun and
the stump used by Phil when he makes his prediction at Gobbler's Knob
In Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, there are 32 6 foot tall fiberglass groundhogs scattered throughout the town. These statues are known as Phantastic Phils. The first Phantastic Phil was named “Phillage” and first appeared on Groundhog Day, 2004. It was sponsored by The Groundhog Cluband painted by local artist Kelly Porada. I took this photo of the statue on a recent trip to Punxsutawney.
punxsutawneypunxsutawney philgroundhogdaygroundhog daypennsylvaniaphillagestatuegroundhog statue During the hours before dawn on February 2nd, a crowd of hearty revelers gather on Gobbler's Knob to await Phil's prediction. If however you are the more stay at home type of you might want to gather a group of friends and some refreshments and sing some groundhog carols while waiting for Phil to make his appearance. There are more songs and activities on the website.
The Twelve Days of Groundhog Day lyrics
On the first day of Groundhog Day
an acquaintance gave to me:
A baby groundhog on the ground.
On the second day of Groundhog Day
an acquaintance gave to me:
Two fuzzy groundhogs,
And a baby groundhog on the ground!
On the third day of Groundhog Day
an acquaintance gave to me:
Three digging groundhogs,
Two fuzzy groundhogs,
And a baby groundhog on the ground!
On the fourth day of Groundhog Day
an acquaintance gave to me:
Four flying groundhogs,
Three digging groundhogs,
Two fuzzy groundhogs,
And a baby groundhog on the ground!
On the fifth day of Groundhog Day
an acquaintance gave to me:
Five singing groundhogs,
Four flying groundhogs,
Three digging groundhogs,
Two fuzzy groundhogs,
And a baby groundhog on the ground!
On the sixth day of Groundhog Day
an acquaintance gave to me:
Six pet groundhogs,
Five singing groundhogs,
Four flying groundhogs,
Three digging groundhogs,
Two fuzzy groundhogs,
And a baby groundhog on the ground!
On the seventh day of Groundhog Day
an acquaintance gave to me:
Seven hungry groundhogs,
Six pet groundhogs,
Five singing groundhogs,
Four flying groundhogs,
Three digging groundhogs,
Two fuzzy groundhogs,
And a baby groundhog on the ground!
On the eighth day of Groundhog Day
an acquaintance gave to me:
Eight swimming groundhogs,
Seven hungry groundhogs,
Six pet groundhogs,
Five singing groundhogs,
Four flying groundhogs,
Three digging groundhogs,
Two fuzzy groundhogs,
And a baby groundhog on the ground!
On the ninth day of Groundhog Day
an acquaintance gave to me:
Nine king groundhogs,
Eight swimming groundhogs,
Seven hungry groundhogs,
Six pet groundhogs,
Five singing groundhogs,
Four flying groundhogs,
Three digging groundhogs,
Two fuzzy groundhogs,
And a baby groundhog on the ground!
On the tenth day of Groundhog Day
an acquaintance gave to me:
Ten growling groundhogs,
Nine king groundhogs,
Eight swimming groundhogs,
Seven hungry groundhogs,
Six pet groundhogs,
Five singing groundhogs,
Four flying groundhogs,
Three digging groundhogs,
Two fuzzy groundhogs,
And a baby groundhog on the ground!
On the eleventh day of Groundhog Day
an acquaintance gave to me:
Eleven bouncy groundhogs,
Ten growling groundhogs,
Nine king groundhogs,
Eight swimming groundhogs,
Seven hungry groundhogs,
Six pet groundhogs,
Five singing groundhogs,
Four flying groundhogs,
Three digging groundhogs,
Two fuzzy groundhogs,
And a baby groundhog on the ground!
On the twelfth day of Groundhog Day
an acquaintance gave to me:
Twelve mommy groundhogs,
Eleven bouncy groundhogs,
Ten growling groundhogs,
Nine king groundhogs,
Eight swimming groundhogs,
Seven hungry groundhogs,
Six pet groundhogs,
Five singing groundhogs,
Four flying groundhogs,
Three digging groundhogs,
Two fuzzy groundhogs,
And a baby groundhog on the ground!
