Falling midway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, February 2 is a significant day in several ancient and modern traditions. The Celts, for instance, celebrated it as Imbolc, a pagan festival marking the beginning of spring. As Christianity spread through Europe, Imbolc evolved into Candlemas, a feast commemorating the presentation of Jesus at the holy temple in Jerusalem. In certain parts of Europe, Christians believed that a sunny Candlemas meant another 40 days of cold and snow. Germans developed their own take on the legend, pronouncing the day sunny only if badgers and other animals glimpsed their own shadows. When German immigrants settled Pennsylvania in the 18th and 19th centuries, they brought the custom with them, choosing the native groundhog as the annual forecaster.
The first official Groundhog Day celebration took place on February 2, 1887, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. It was the brainchild of local newspaper editor Clymer Freas, who sold a group of businessmen and groundhog hunters—known collectively as the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club—on the idea. The men trekked to a site called Gobbler’s Knob, where the inaugural groundhog became the bearer of bad news when he saw his shadow.
Nowadays, tens of thousands of spectators attend Groundhog Day events in Punxsutawney, a borough that is home to some 6,000 people.
So, is spring right around the corner? In just a couple of days Punxsutawney Phil will surprise us with his knowledge!
Whether you are pre-occupied with spring cleaning or hibernating in the coziness of your home for another 6 weeks, let Homestyle Direct cater to your needs. We have so many great and convenient options for every circumstance. Don’t forget the new selections that are going to be available starting March 1st! Call to request Menu#2 today!
Libby Griffith
libby@homestyledirect.com
1(866) 735-0921
Source:
http://www.history.com/news/groundhog-day-history-and-facts