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Groundhog Day

Feb 02, 2013
Groundhog Day falls on February 2nd, and is the day when we find out whether or not spring has sprung.
Groundhog Day

February 2 is Groundhog Day. Although nobody gets a day off school, this holiday is still worth mentioning. Critters, like the groundhog or woodchuck, normally don't have holidays named after them, so how was the groundhog chosen?

A Brief History

The roots of Groundhog Day go back to the 6th century. It began with the German myth that, by simply showing up, hibernating animals were able to predict when springtime came. It is also believed that if the groundhog comes out of its hole and sees its shadow, we are in store for 40 more days of winter. To see a shadow, the sun must be out and the groundhog has to look in the correct direction. This weather folklore began in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Punxsutawney Phil (the offical US groundhog) is only accurate about 26% of the time.

What's In a Name?

Woodchuck and groundhog are common names for the same animal, the rodent with the scientific name of Marmota monax. Most closely related to squirrels, woodchucks can actually climb trees and swim.

Fast Facts About Woodchucks

Unlike beavers, these guys can't move timber, although some will chew on it. A wildlife biologist once measured the inside volume of a typical woodchuck burrow and estimated that - if wood filled the hole, instead of dirt - the industrious animal would have chucked about 700 pounds worth

2013 Groundhog Day

There was No shadow for Wiarton Willie and Punxsutawney Phil this year, that means that an early spring is predicted. That means we will be seeing warmer temperatures and no snow!

Have Your Say

What's your prediction for groundhog day? Will he see his shadow or not?

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Comments

MANCHESTER UTD
peace out
commented: Thu Feb 07, 2013

MANCHESTER UTD
when i went the gas station i went with no shirt no shoes and i still got service! WHAT...
commented: Thu Feb 07, 2013

MANCHESTER UTD
OH YEAh]H
commented: Thu Feb 07, 2013

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Do You Believe in Groundhog Day?

  • Yes. I think the seasons change - or don't - because of groundhogs.
  • No. It's just a silly old wives tale.
  • I'm not sure.
  • I believe in Groundhog's Day only if it means an early spring!

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TheAverageJC
TheAverageJC posted in General:
Nope.
reply 2 minutes
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This is so old. I see dust on it. *blows away dust* That's better.
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RukiaKuchiki1
RukiaKuchiki1 posted in General:
I remember this when it was first made. THEY STILL DIDN'T MOVE IT. O_O
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EnglandUKHetalia
(Da. But it's too much of a hassle to make one big hetalia roleplay thread in the roleplay. No one really joins any of my hetalia rps. Or any other rp there is that I make.)
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MovingBrick
MovingBrick posted in General:
(I don't mean to be a downer but shouldn't this be in the Roleplay section..)
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