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Groundhog Day - What Does it Really Mean?

By
Real Estate Agent with The Buyers' Counsel

Groundhog DayEvery year on this day, crowds gather to see if a groundhog, named Phil, will see his shadow when emerging from his burrow.  

What is the significance of this ritual? 

Allegedly, if Phil fails to see his shadow he will leave his burrow which means that winter will soon end.  If, on the other hand, he sees the shadow he will retreat back into his hole and we are stuck with six more weeks of winter. 

The biggest celebration takes place in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania where huge crowds tend to gather to watch the spectacle of the groundhog. As depicted in the 1993 film, "Groundhog Day" this is a festive event where speeches are held, food is served and entertainment is also part of the day. 

The tradition dates back to 1887 and seems to have originated from an ancient European weather story which involved the predictions of a badger.  

According to Reuters, today's festivities had an attendance of more than 12,000 people.  

What is the verdict this year? 

It seems as though Punxsutawney Phil did see his shadow this morning. But then, who wouldn't, with all of those flash bulbs popping?

Only six more weeks of winter- that doesn't really sound so bad. 

Copyright 2010 - Claudette Millette, Broker, Owner, The Buyers' Counsel

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Comments (20)

Pat Champion
John Roberts Realty - Eustis, FL
Call the "CHAMPION" for all your real estate needs

Thanks for the update I was wondering if the groundhog saw his shadow-guess I better get set for 6 more weeks of winter.

Feb 02, 2010 08:08 AM
Robert Rauf
CMG Home Loans - Toms River, NJ

Isnt it 6 more weeks till spring or 6 more weeks of winter, Thus the same exact thing??? 

 

Feb 02, 2010 08:08 AM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573
MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME
Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

Ground hog..its what's for supper if the UPS snags him on the way thru town. Seriously, thanks for the history of the little blind as bat winter sleeper.

Feb 02, 2010 08:08 AM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

Gen. Beauregard Lee of Macon, Georgia says an early spring... Yeah for me.  Of course it's my baby brother's birthday and I always ask him did he see his shadow.  He didn't today either.

Feb 02, 2010 08:09 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Claudette:  I am not surprised by Phil's verdict.  Already we've had more snow that ever, and now we're getting more.  Thanks Phil.

Feb 02, 2010 08:12 AM
Claudette Millette
The Buyers' Counsel - Ashland, MA
Buyer, Broker - Metrowest Mass

Pat:

Yes he did - I guess we are in for a bit more of the cold stuff.

Robert:

A half dozen more until spring or a half dozen more of winter.  I guess it equals the same.

Andrew:

Oh, please don't cook the little ground hog... 

 

Feb 02, 2010 08:12 AM
Elizabeth Bolton
RE/MAX Destiny Real Estate Cambridge, MA - Cambridge, MA
Cambridge MA Realtor

Hi Claudette ~ I found myself thinking this morning that I wasn't sure if we wanted shadow or no-shadow. Leave it to AR - the source of all info!! Bummer! About the shadow I mean. Oh well, the weeks will fly by.

Liz

Feb 02, 2010 08:15 AM
Claudette Millette
The Buyers' Counsel - Ashland, MA
Buyer, Broker - Metrowest Mass

Tammy:

Happy birthday to your baby brother.  But, can he predict the future?

Chris Ann:

I hope you had your snow tires put on that pretty car of yours.  I, actually, was late in doing so and was caught in a snow storm here last Thursday when out with a client.  I could not get back up my driveway.  I had them put on yesterday. 

 

Feb 02, 2010 08:15 AM
Claudette Millette
The Buyers' Counsel - Ashland, MA
Buyer, Broker - Metrowest Mass

Liz:

I know what you mean. You have to be careful what you wish for in Massachusetts. We'll get by...

 

Feb 02, 2010 08:17 AM
Steve Shatsky
Dallas, TX

Hi Claudette... I have long suspected that the crowds, lights flashing and noise taint the results of the Groundhog test.  Faced with all that, who wouldn't dive back into the hole ASAP???  :)

Feb 02, 2010 08:20 AM
Claudette Millette
The Buyers' Counsel - Ashland, MA
Buyer, Broker - Metrowest Mass

Steve:

Exactly. And, the groundhog is matched in timidness only by squirrels and rabbits...

 

Feb 02, 2010 08:27 AM
Robert Rauf
CMG Home Loans - Toms River, NJ

Did you hear the latest? They want to replace Phil with a mechanical version so he doesnt get upset by the crowd. 

Feb 02, 2010 08:49 AM
Claudette Millette
The Buyers' Counsel - Ashland, MA
Buyer, Broker - Metrowest Mass

Hi, Robert:

Yes, I read about that. They want to replace him with a robot. That would certainly take a lot of charm out of this festive day.

 

Feb 02, 2010 09:42 AM
Nick T Pappas
Assoc. Broker ABR, CRS, SFR, e-Pro, @Homes Realty Group, Broker/Providence Property Mgmnt, LLC Huntsville AL - Huntsville, AL
Madison & Huntsville Alabama Real Estate Resource

Claudette, personally I think Bill Murray could have a lot of fun with this...a mechanical "Phil" that is!

                                      Make sure your speakers are not cranked up.

Feb 02, 2010 01:44 PM
Claudette Millette
The Buyers' Counsel - Ashland, MA
Buyer, Broker - Metrowest Mass

Nick:

I think Bill Murray could definitely do a great routine with the mechanical Phil. He is such a talent. I have seen that film so many times - it is like reliving the day over and over...

 

Feb 02, 2010 01:50 PM
Loreena and Michael Yeo
3:16 team REALTY ~ Locally-owned Prosper TX Real Estate Co. - Prosper, TX
Real Estate Agents

I didn't know this tradition until I started work in 1999. I thought it was kinda cool. When I saw "Phil" this morning, I thought he was kinda cute and cuddly.... Love him - whether or not we will have another 6 more weeks of winter.

He hasnt been very accurate though. It said, according to history, he was only accurate 39% of the time.

Feb 02, 2010 01:58 PM
Claudette Millette
The Buyers' Counsel - Ashland, MA
Buyer, Broker - Metrowest Mass

Loreena:

I don't think your six weeks of winter is equal to six weeks of winter here in New England. But, I know you are looking forward to your flowers.

Phil is extremely cute, isn't he?

 

Feb 02, 2010 02:03 PM
Robert Rauf
CMG Home Loans - Toms River, NJ

Considering the snow I woke up to this morning I think Phil made an accurate forecast yesterday!

Feb 03, 2010 03:12 AM
Claudette Millette
The Buyers' Counsel - Ashland, MA
Buyer, Broker - Metrowest Mass

Robert:

This morning's dusting could be indication of more to come and of Phil's accuracy.

 

Feb 03, 2010 05:47 AM
Anonymous
Sami Millette

I think this was a great resource that helped me learn more about Groundhog's day. :)

Mar 20, 2012 05:15 AM
#20