Groundhog Day is always on February 2. How did Groundhog Day originate? It was first celebrated in 1887, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania by German immigrants. February 2 is halfway between the start of Winter and the start of Spring. It was believed that if groundhogs were able to see their own shadows on February 2, then there would be 6 more weeks of winter. If groundhogs could not see their own shadows on February 2, then spring will come early. Punxsutawney Phil is the most famous groundhog- he predicts if spring will come early (ceremony done in Punxsutawney, Pennyslvania).
So… will Wiarton Willie (Ontario’s groundhog) and Punxsutawney Phill see their shadows on February 2? We shall find out tomorrow!
Your task: Tomorrow, please have your child go outside in the morning to check whether they can see their shadow or not.
Shadow = 6 more weeks of winter
No shadow = spring will come early
Questions to ponder: When standing outside, what is the weather like when you can see your shadow? What causes a shadow to appear? Are there shadows created inside a building?