Happy Groundhog Day!

Today, February 2nd, is Groundhog Day! This holiday is celebrated every February 2nd in both the United States and Canada. Customs follow that a groundhog emerges from its burrow and if it’s sunny and the groundhog retreats back into its burrow, there will be 6 more weeks until Winter ends. If it’s cloudy and the groundhog does not see its shadow nor retreat into its burrow, that means that Winter will soon end.

The largest celebration of Groundhog Day is held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania – where food is served, speeches are made, g’spiel (plays or skits) are performed, and of course, the groundhog is seen. The ceremony is conducted in the Pennsylvania German dialect and if you speak only English, you literally “pay” a penalty – a nickel or dime for every word spoken.

Happy Groundhog Day!