Let's Talk with Cheryl Hollon
It’s Groundhog Day!
February 2, 2023
Groundhog Day, which takes place on February 2nd every year, is a traditional holiday in the United States and Canada. It is based on the belief that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day and sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If the groundhog does not see its shadow, it is believed spring will arrive early.
The holiday originates in ancient European traditions, where it was believed that the weather on Candlemas Day (February 2nd) could predict the weather for the rest of the winter. The holiday was brought to the United States by German immigrants, who adapted the tradition of using a groundhog as the weather predictor instead of a badger.
The most famous groundhog day celebration occurs in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where Punxsutawney Phil is brought out of his burrow to make his prediction. Thousands of people attend the event, which includes a parade and other festivities.
Groundhog Day is a fun and quirky holiday. It may or may not be an accurate predictor of the weather, but it is a beloved tradition that brings people together and helps brighten the winter season.
Did the groundhog see his shadow? What were you hoping for?
My Paint & Shine Mysteries are set in the Daniel Boone National Forest. My parents were born, raised, and now rest in peace at the Adams Family Cemetary in Wolfe County, Kentucky. The characters spend considerable time preparing traditional southern meals and creating moonshine cocktails. Please consider buying locally. Independent bookstores need your help during these challenging times. If you’d like to learn more about author Cheryl Hollon, visit her WEBSITE.
While youβre here, enter our Bookloverβs Bench Anniversary contest. It’s our 10th Anniversary!!! Weβre collecting entries for a SPECIAL book giveaway from our vault by all the Bookloverβs Bench authors. It runs from February 1-18. CLICK HERE to enter!
Posted in Let's Talk, with Cheryl Hollon β’ Tags: Cheryl Hollon, It's Groundhog Day, Let's Talk | 11 Comments
I’ve never been a big follower of this tradition. Either winter chooses to linger, or spring comes early. I don’t think a groundhog can predict the outcome. Either way, I’m glad to be rid of cold weather.
I’m happy winter will last a little longer and delay the start of the heat down here in St. Petersburg, Florida.
I’m with Nancy on this one. And BTW, I may be an outlier in my opinion, but I really found the movie incredibly annoying.
LOL. I’m a fan of the movie and would love to have unlimited time to learn new skills.
I agree with Lois. That was the most annoying movie ever! Lol!
LOVED the movie…sorry, Lois! π Heard on the radio today that originally the tradition was to let the groundhog see his shadow (or not) and then the poor critter got spitted and cooked for everyone’s dinner. I think I’d have to be really hungry to eat groundhog!
Oh! I didn’t know about the dinner plan! I’m not sure I would be up for that.
I loved the movie, too, but “Phil” is no meteorologist. Although, he’s just as accurate as some around here.
It seems impossible to me that February is here already. A longer winter will keep the hot hot summer at bay for a little bit longer here in Florida. ποΈ
It seems the groundhog saw his shadow today, at least the famous one in Pennsylvania. I don’t mind winter so much here as it is still relatively mild instead of brutally cold. Having a few nights of freezing temps does a good job on knocking back most of the biting insects. But not the sand gnats. Ugh. They are already active in coastal Georgia. i enjoyed the Groundhog Day movie. I’ve always made a note of Feb. 2 because it’s one of my sisters’ birthdays. Happy Birthday to Carol.
Happy birthday to your sister. I have a friend with a Groundhog Day birthday as well. She despises the hoopla. π