Reading Comprehension · Social Studies
Groundhog Day Reading Comprehension Lesson
A reading lesson about the origins of Groundhog Day, from Celtic traditions to Punxsutawney Phil.
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Subject
Reading
Grade
Grades 3–6
Skill
Reading Comprehension
Format
Lesson + PDF
A February Tradition
Groundhog Day is a tradition in the United States that is based on folklore. It occurs each year on February 2, about halfway between the first day of winter and the first day of spring. According to legend, if a groundhog comes out of its hole and does not see its shadow, winter will be over soon. If it does see its shadow, it will run back inside, and there will be six more weeks of winter.
The legend can be traced back to the fifth century and a group of people called the Celts who lived in Europe. The Celts believed that animals had special powers on certain days. The day halfway between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox was one of those days. People in Germany and France observed bears coming out of their dens around this time and noticed that the animals ran back in on bright, sunny days — perhaps because bright light startled them.
German immigrants brought this tradition to Pennsylvania in the 1700s. Because groundhogs were common there, the tradition shifted from bears to groundhogs.
Punxsutawney Phil
The most famous Groundhog Day celebration takes place in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Punxsutawney Phil is the name of the groundhog used in the ceremony, which has been held since 1887. Each year on February 2, a large crowd gathers to watch Phil emerge from his home. Members of a group called the Inner Circle, wearing top hats and formal coats, announce whether Phil has seen his shadow.
Groundhog Day has become a popular event across North America. Other towns have their own groundhog celebrities, such as Staten Island Chuck in New York and Wiarton Willie in Canada. The day has also inspired movies, festivals, and local traditions.
Scientists note that groundhogs, also called woodchucks, are true hibernators. They sleep through most of the winter in underground burrows. Whether or not the groundhog’s prediction is accurate, Groundhog Day offers a fun way to mark the halfway point of winter and look forward to spring.
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