PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (WTAJ) — This year marks the 136th Groundhog Day to be celebrated at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.
Thousands of people come from all over the world to see Pennsylvania’s most famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil emerge from his burrow at sunrise and predict an early spring or six more weeks of winter. So, how did this annual holiday start and how did a weather-predicting marmot come about?
The tradition was first brought to America by German settlers who originally adopted it from a European Christian holiday called Candlemas Day, according to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. Christians on Feb. 2 would have their candles blessed to bring protection to their homes for the rest of the winter.
PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA – FEBRUARY 02: Groundhog handler John Griffiths holds Punxsutawney Phil, who did not see his shadow, predicting an early or late spring during the 134th annual Groundhog Day festivities on February 2, 2020 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Groundhog Day is a popular tradition in the United States and Canada. A crowd of upwards of 20,000 people spent a night of revelry awaiting the sunrise and the groundhog’s exit from his winter den. If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow he regards it as an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his den. Early spring arrives if he does not see his shadow, causing Phil to remain above ground. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images) 
PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA – FEBRUARY 02: Groundhog lovers are entertained by fireworks and confetti as they await the arrival of Punxsutawney Phil, who may or may not see his shadow, predicting an early or late spring during the 134th annual Groundhog Day festivities on February 2, 2020 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Groundhog Day is a popular tradition in the United States and Canada. A crowd of upwards of 20,000 people spent a night of revelry awaiting the sunrise and the groundhog’s exit from his winter den. If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow he regards it as an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his den. Early spring arrives if he does not see his shadow, causing Phil to remain above ground. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images) 
PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA – FEBRUARY 02: Groundhog lovers are entertained by fireworks as they await the arrival of Punxsutawney Phil, who may or may not see his shadow, predicting an early or late spring during the 134th annual Groundhog Day festivities on February 2, 2020 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Groundhog Day is a popular tradition in the United States and Canada. A crowd of upwards of 20,000 people spent a night of revelry awaiting the sunrise and the groundhog’s exit from his winter den. If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow he regards it as an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his den. Early spring arrives if he does not see his shadow, causing Phil to remain above ground. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images) 
PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA – FEBRUARY 02:Handler AJ Dereume holds Punxsutawney Phil after he did not see his shadow predicting an early spring during the 133rd annual Groundhog Day festivities on February 2, 2019 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Groundhog Day is a popular tradition in the United States and Canada. A crowd of upwards of 30,000 people spent a night of revelry awaiting the sunrise and the groundhog’s exit from his winter den. If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow he regards it as an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his den. Early spring arrives if he does not see his shadow, causing Phil to remain above ground. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images) 
PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA – FEBRUARY 02: Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow predicting an early spring during the 133rd annual Groundhog Day festivities on February 2, 2019 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Groundhog Day is a popular tradition in the United States and Canada. A crowd of upwards of 30,000 people spent a night of revelry awaiting the sunrise and the groundhog’s exit from his winter den. If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow he regards it as an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his den. Early spring arrives if he does not see his shadow, causing Phil to remain above ground. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images) 
PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA – FEBRUARY 02: Punxsutawney Phil is held by the handler as the prediction for six more weeks of winter is read during Groundhog day ceremonies on February 2, 2018 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Groundhog Day is a popular tradition in the United States and Canada where people await the sunrise and the groundhog’s exit from his winter den. If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow he regards it as an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his den. Early spring arrives if he does not see his shadow, causing Phil to remain above ground. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) 
PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA – FEBRUARY 2: Groundhog handler Ron Ploucha holds Punxsutawney Phil after he saw his shadow predicting six more weeks of winter during 128th annual Groundhog Day festivities on February 2, 2014 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Groundhog Day is a popular tradition in the United States and Canada. A smaller than usual crowd this year of less than 25,000 people spent a night of revelry awaiting the sunrise and the groundhog’s exit from his winter den. If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow he regards it as an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his den. Early spring arrives if he does not see his shadow, causing Phil to remain above ground. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images) 
PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA – FEBRUARY 2: Groundhog handler Ron Ploucha holds Punxsutawney Phil after he saw his shadow predicting 6 more weeks of winter during 126th annual Groundhog Day festivities on February 2, 2012 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Groundhog Day is a popular tradition in the United States and Canada. A smaller than usual crowd this year of less than 15,000 people spent a night of revelry awaiting the sunrise and the groundhog’s exit from his winter den. If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow he regards it as an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his den. Early spring arrives if he does not see his shadow, causing Phil to remain above ground. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images) 
PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA – FEBRUARY 2: Groundhog handler Ron Ploucha holds Punxsutawney Phil after he saw his shadow predicting 6 more weeks of winter during 126th annual Groundhog Day festivities on February 2, 2012 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Groundhog Day is a popular tradition in the United States and Canada. A smaller than usual crowd this year of less than 15,000 people spent a night of revelry awaiting the sunrise and the groundhog’s exit from his winter den. If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow he regards it as an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his den. Early spring arrives if he does not see his shadow, causing Phil to remain above ground. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images) 
PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA – FEBRUARY 01: People look over a groundhog ice sculpture during festivities February 1, 2007 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Groundhog Day is February 2nd and has become an institution in the United States. It is thought that if a groundhog sees his shadow he will run back in to his hole and it will be regarded as a forecast for six more weeks of bad weather. If the day is cloudy it as a sign of spring and the groundhog stays above ground. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) 
PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA – FEBRUARY 2: Bill Deeley presents weather prognosticating groundhog Punxsutawney Phil to the crowd at Gobbler’s Knob during the annual Groundhog day event February 2, 2003 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Phil, having seen his shadow, predicted six more weeks of winter. (Photo by Archie Carpenter/Getty Images) 
PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA – FEBRUARY 2: Official Groundhog Handler Bill Deeley holds Punxsutawney Phil aloft after he emerges from his hole February 2, 2002 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Phil predicted six more weeks of winter in front of a estimated crowd of over 40,000. (Photo by Chris Hondros/Getty Images) 
PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA – FEBRUARY 2: Members of Punxsutawney’s “Inner Circle” tap on Punxsutawney Phil’s door as they entice him out February 2, 2002 during the annual Groundhog day event in Punxsutawney, Pa. Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter in front of a estimated crowd of over 40,000. (Photo by Chris Hondros/Getty Images) 
Punxsutawney Phil, the weather prognosticating groundhog, is held by the gloved hands of handler Ron Ploucha during the 129th celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa., Monday, Feb. 2, 2015. Phil’s handlers said that the groundhog has forecast six more weeks of winter weather. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) 
Punxsutawney Phil, the weather predicting groundhog, center, stands on the shoulder of one of his handlers John Griffiths while looking at other handler Ben Hughes, after the Groundhog Club claimed that Phil did not see his shadow and winter has ended on Groundhog Day, Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, in Punxsutawney, Pa. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic) 
Groundhog Club co-handler Al Dereume, right, holds Punxsutawney Phil, the weather prognosticating groundhog, during the 133rd celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa. Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Phil’s handlers said that the groundhog has forecast an early spring. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) 
Jim Means holds up a sleepy Punxsutawney Phil at daybreak, Feb. 2, 1980, in Punxsutawney, Penn., in front of a crowd of anxious people. The groundhog saw his shadow and proclaimed six more weeks of winter. Means cares for Phil throughout the year in the animal’s home in the town library. (AP Photo) 
Groundhog Club co-handler Al Dereume holds Punxsutawney Phil, the weather prognosticating groundhog, during the 134th celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa. Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020. Phil’s handlers said that the groundhog has forecast an early spring. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger) 
A sculpture of a groundhog made out of pieces of mirrors is in display in the park in downtown Punxsutawney along with similar groundhog pieces on Wednesday, Feb. 1 ,2006. the day before the annual festivity with the weather prognosticating Punxsutawney Phil. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic) 
The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club gathers at Gobbler’s Knob during the 126th celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa. Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012. Phil saw his shadow, forecasting six more weeks of winter weather. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) 
Groundhog Club handler A.J. Dereume holds Punxsutawney Phil, the weather prognosticating groundhog, during the 135th celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa., Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021. Phil’s handlers said that the groundhog has forecast six more weeks of winter weather during this year’s event that was held without anyone in attendance due to potential COVID-19 risks. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger) 
Groundhog Club handler A.J. Dereume holds Punxsutawney Phil, the weather prognosticating groundhog, during the 135th celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa., Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021. Phil’s handlers said that the groundhog has forecast six more weeks of winter weather during this year’s event that was held without anyone in attendance due to potential COVID-19 risks. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger) 
This Feb 2, 2019 file photo shows the crowd gathered on Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa., to watch the 133rd celebration of Groundhog Day on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Phil’s handlers said that the groundhog has forecast an early spring. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar/File) 
Groundhog Club Inner Circle members make their way into Gobbler’s Knob for the 135th celebration of Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, Pa. Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021. Phil’s handlers said that the groundhog has forecast six more weeks of winter weather during this year’s event that was held without anyone in attendance due to potential COVID-19 risks. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger) 
Runelle Pursley of Jefferson, Ga., stands at Gobbler’s Knob on Groundhog eve, Feb. 1, 2012, after driving more than 700 miles to spend Groundhog day with weather forecasting groundhog Punxsutawney Phil in Punxstawney, Pa. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) 
Groundhog Club co-handler A.J. Dereume holds Punxsutawney Phil, the weather prognosticating groundhog, as he is interviewed, during the 133rd celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa. Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Phil’s handlers said that the groundhog has forecast an early spring. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) 
Sam Light, center, president of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, points to a sign held by members of the club in Gobbler’s Knob, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, Jan. 1961. They posed for the picture a few days before Groundhog Day, Feb. 2, with a stuffed stand-in for Punxsutawney Phil. (AP Photo) 
Punxsutawney Phil is held by handler Bill Deeley, left, as Deeley tells Groundhog Club president Bud Dunkel that Phil failed to see his shadow upon emerging from his burrow on Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa., Sunday, Feb. 2, 1997, indicating spring is right around the corner. Legend has it that if the groundhog sees his shadow, six more weeks of winter lay ahead. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
The German adaptation of the holiday involved a hedgehog that would predict six more weeks of bad weather or a “Second Winter” if the animal casts a shadow. Since hedgehogs are not native to the United States, the mammal was changed to a groundhog.
A Punxsutawney newspaper first printed about Groundhog Day in 1886 and the first observance of the holiday took place one year later at Gobbler’s Knob by the then newly founded Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. The celebration also introduced the “Seer of Seers” Punxsutawney Phil.
For nearly a century, however, Groundhog Day remained a smaller holiday, confined mostly to the Western Pennsylvania area.
“You’d come up to Gobblers Knob and there might be 500, 1,000 – 1,500 people and we thought that was huge,” A.J. Dereume said, a member of the Groundhog Club’s inner circle and Punxsutawney Phil’s handler. “There was no social media back then. We were gripping onto newspapers, radio and television. That was the news that got Groundhog Day out to the people,” Dereume said.
In the early 1990s, Groundhog Day started to gain some traction across the country, and more people started to learn about small-town Punxsutawney. After Phil was featured in Bill Murray’s 1993 comedy “Groundhog Day,” a movie that gained popularity across the world, the holiday grew to new heights.
Dereume explained the cult classic has brought in traction to this day.
In the years since, Punxsutawney Phil has gained international stardom as people from across the world come to Punxsutawney each year to witness his prognostication, seeing crowds of up to 45,000 people.
From 1887 to 2021, Phil saw his shadow 104 times and did not see his shadow 20 times. A full list of Groundhog Day predictions can be found here. Pennsylvania’s famous groundhog has become a pop culture icon in the world of politics and entertainment, as well as making appearances across the county.
Here are some of Punxsutawney Phil’s most notable moments:
- During the prohibition, Phil threatened 60 weeks of winter if he was not allowed to drink.
- In 1958, Phil announced that a “United States Chucknik,” became the first satellite to orbit Earth instead of the Sputnik that was launched by the Soviet Union.
- In 1981, Phil wore a yellow ribbon to honor American hostages in Iran.
- In 1986, Phil met President Ronald Reagan in Washington D.C.
- In 1987, Phil met Pennsylvania Governor Dick Thornburg.
- In 1993, Phil is featured in the movie Groundhog Day released by Columbia Pictures and starring Bill Muray. Years after the movie released, visitors to Gobbler’s Knob reach a record high of 30,000 people.
- In 1995, Phil made an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show.
- In 1998, Phil is seen live all over the world during the first internet broadcast of Groundhog Day.
- In 2001, Phil made his prediction live on a JumboTron at Times Square in New York City.
- In 2017, Phil and his handlers administered the coin toss for Animal Planets Puppy Bowl.
Groundhog Day history and moments source: The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club.
