How to Celebrate Groundhog Day
Read up on Groundhog Day history., Watch Punxsutawney Phil emerge from his burrow on TV., Go on a nature walk., Play with shadow puppets.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Read up on Groundhog Day history.
Whether you research alone or with friends, learn about the origins of Groundhog Day.
In medieval German culture, people believed that hedgehogs could predict winter if it saw its shadow.
When some Germans immigrated to Pennsylvania, they brought this tradition with them but switched to groundhogs.
The first recognized Groundhog Day celebration was February 2, 1887, when the town of Punxsutawney dubbed their groundhog Phil America's weather-forecasting animal.Groundhog Day history can be intriguing, once you study it.
For example: did you know that during the Prohibition, Punxsutawney Phil supposedly threatened to impose 60 weeks of winter if he didn't get a drink? -
Step 2: Watch Punxsutawney Phil emerge from his burrow on TV.
At daybreak in Punxsutawney, reporters gather around the groundhog's den to watch him emerge from his burrow.
Get up early in the morning to watch this momentous event on TV.
Be prepared for a long winter if he sees his shadow! Call or email your local station if you're not sure what channel is broadcasting the event.
If you live in the eastern US coast, you can travel to Punxsutawney to watch Phil in-person at his burrow in Gobber's Knob., If groundhogs are native to your environment, go on a hike or trail walk and look for groundhogs (also known as woodchucks).Go with a group and make a game out of who can spot the most groundhogs.
If you can't see any, enjoy the fresh air and see if there really will be six more weeks of winter.
Visit your local zoo if groundhogs aren't native to your area.
Call ahead to ask if your zoo has a groundhog exhibit. , To celebrate the importance of Punxsutawney Phil's shadow, make your own shadow puppets out of paper.
Outline your shadow puppet on a piece of paper, then cut it out and attach it to a popsicle stick.
After you've created your puppets, put on a puppet show.
You could even make a puppet show about the true meaning of Groundhog Day. -
Step 3: Go on a nature walk.
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Step 4: Play with shadow puppets.
Detailed Guide
Whether you research alone or with friends, learn about the origins of Groundhog Day.
In medieval German culture, people believed that hedgehogs could predict winter if it saw its shadow.
When some Germans immigrated to Pennsylvania, they brought this tradition with them but switched to groundhogs.
The first recognized Groundhog Day celebration was February 2, 1887, when the town of Punxsutawney dubbed their groundhog Phil America's weather-forecasting animal.Groundhog Day history can be intriguing, once you study it.
For example: did you know that during the Prohibition, Punxsutawney Phil supposedly threatened to impose 60 weeks of winter if he didn't get a drink?
At daybreak in Punxsutawney, reporters gather around the groundhog's den to watch him emerge from his burrow.
Get up early in the morning to watch this momentous event on TV.
Be prepared for a long winter if he sees his shadow! Call or email your local station if you're not sure what channel is broadcasting the event.
If you live in the eastern US coast, you can travel to Punxsutawney to watch Phil in-person at his burrow in Gobber's Knob., If groundhogs are native to your environment, go on a hike or trail walk and look for groundhogs (also known as woodchucks).Go with a group and make a game out of who can spot the most groundhogs.
If you can't see any, enjoy the fresh air and see if there really will be six more weeks of winter.
Visit your local zoo if groundhogs aren't native to your area.
Call ahead to ask if your zoo has a groundhog exhibit. , To celebrate the importance of Punxsutawney Phil's shadow, make your own shadow puppets out of paper.
Outline your shadow puppet on a piece of paper, then cut it out and attach it to a popsicle stick.
After you've created your puppets, put on a puppet show.
You could even make a puppet show about the true meaning of Groundhog Day.
About the Author
Kyle Campbell
Creates helpful guides on DIY projects to inspire and educate readers.
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