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By: Dafina Konushevci (Junior)
Hear ye, hear ye!
As Winter comes to a close, Spring is on its way according to a -- groundhog? Infamous for predicting the weather, its shadow determines the forecast. You might be familiar with celebrating this holiday as a kid, but there's so much more information to dig into! Check out this year's Groundhog Day event!
Its Origin
Its Origin
An older sketch devoted to Groundhog's Day
Groundhog Day celebration in 1887, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania
Honored on February 2nd, many places such as the United States and about 5 provinces in Canada celebrate Groundhog Day. A Pennsylvanian leading advocate, Don Yoder, makes a connection between Halloween and Mayday and the events surrounding Groundhog Day. Halloween and Mayday celebrations fall between a solstice and an equinox, signifying a turn in something for the first time that season. Similarly, Groundhog Day represents a delayed or impending change in season, albeit predicted by a rodent!
The first Groundhog Day began on February 2nd, 1877 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania by newspaper editor Clymer Freas. Apart from a groundhog hunting club known as the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, he and his group designated Punxsutawney Phil as the official "weatherman".
Fun Fact: Phil is the most Photographed Pennsylvanian
The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, known as the Inner Circle, is a local group of individuals who dedicate their time every Groundhog Day event. Not only do they help set up, they feed and take care of Phil.
Members of The Inner Circle adopt many nicknames that resemble weather-like terminology. These include:
Punxsutawney Phil - A proclaimed Weather Predictor
Tom Dunkel - President, Shingle Shaker
Dan McGinley - VP, Moonshine
Jason Grusky - est 2011: Secretary, Big Chill
Josh Farcus - Treasurer, Frostbite
A.J. Dereume - Handler, Rainmaker
Butch Philliber - est 1988: Iceman
Jeff Lundy - Fair Weatherman
Groundhog Day of 1976
Jon Johnston - Chief Health man
Dave Gigliotti - est 2007: Thunder Conductor
Patrick Osikowicz - O-Zone
Jory Serrian - Day Breaker
Rob McCoy - Downpour
Patrick Casaday - Head Huntsman
Rob Gemmell - Storm Builder
Jay Lundy - Overcast
Marcy Galando - Executive Director
How It's Celebrated Today
Named after King Philip, Phil has been the only predictor since 1886 and is still alive today. Originally, his name was Br'er Groundhog, according to the official Phil FAQ page. Every summer, Phil drinks an elixir and "magically" adds seven more years to his life. His celebration unites at least 30,000 people across the state.
The famous movie, Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murray, is also a reminder of how people celebrate this event. Released in 1994, the movie follows a weatherman repeating his cycle-of-life over and over again. Even Groundhog Day screenwriter Dan Rubin got to see Phil in 2013!
About 35,000 visitors joined Groundhogs Day at Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania (1997)
My Love For Groundhogs - A Groundbreaking Editoral
For quite a while, I would take pictures on the bus at exactly 2:22 pm to see if there were any groundhogs. Upon entering the school, there are a few hills that these groundhogs created. It was exciting to wait until the end of the day to see if they were there. When I found out Groundhog Day was coming soon, I developed an interest to write this article.
There were so many interesting things I learned throughout making this issue and I cannot wait to take more groundhog photos in the future!
Fall 2023
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