Six More Weeks of Winter

What do you think? Six more weeks of winter or is spring right around the corner?

Groundhog Day is a popular tradition celebrated in the U.S. and Canada on February 2. I recently learned that it originates from the Pennsylvania Dutch and the German community in Pennsylvania around the superstition that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on February 2 and sees his shadow due to clear weather, we should expect six more weeks of winter — and if it does not see its shadow because of cloudiness, spring will arrive early or “spring is just around the corner”.  Apparently, the weather lore came from similar predictions with a badger in Germany. It is still up for debate on the science of this test on weather predictions, ahem.

The Groundhog Day ceremony held at Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania centers around an infamous and semi-mythical groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil, and is so popular, they even made a movie out of it in 1993.

My husband Brad and I celebrate Groundhog Day instead of Valentine’s Day (okay, technically with children we actually celebrate both). It all began when we were dating in San Francisco, CA and we tried to make a dinner reservation on February 14th – weeks in advance – but we couldn’t get a table. So, we decided to celebrate Groundhog Day instead. And it totally stuck. Because you can always get a reservation on February 2. And Groundhog Day is so neglected, we decided. Plus, Punxsutawney Phil is from Pennsylvania (so is Brad) and groundhogs are actually kind of cute (although nearly impossible to find on cards, it seems). We’ve even encouraged some friends and family to celebrate too.

On February 2, sometimes we make dinner reservations, sometimes we stay home and watch Groundhog Day, sometimes we exchange silly or creative groundhog themed gifts (past favorites include a book on Shadow Puppets and Groundhog Pudding Cups) and sometimes we just toast to the cute little rodent.

One day we will travel to Punxsutawney to officially celebrate! Have you been to unique towns for specific festivals or celebrations? Have you ever celebrated Groundhog Day (no? maybe you should)? Have you been to Punxsutawney for the big celebration?

Read about taking kids to a Family Friendly Music Festival, Kid-friendly places to hear Music in Nashville and How We Save Money to Travel as a family.