What’s the Hype Behind Groundhog’s Day?

Groundhog Day is celebrated on February 2.  It is customarily recognized in the United States and Canada as a holiday.  Folklore states that if it is cloudy when a groundhog comes out of its burrow on this day, then spring will come early that year. If it is sunny, the groundhog will see its shadow and retreat back into its burrow.  This means that the winter weather will continue for six more weeks.

The largest Groundhog Day celebration is held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.  Depicted in the 1993 film Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell, the city of Punxsutawney and Punxsutawney Phil is now known around the world.  If you want to see live footage of the annual ceremony, you can visit http://www.groundhog.org/.

According to Buzzle.com, there are a lot of interesting facts about groundhogs.  Here are a few things for you to ponder:

• Groundhogs are also known as whistle pigs.
• Groundhogs have four toes on their feet and five on the back.
• Groundhogs can grow to a maximum of two feet when measured from head to toe.
• Groundhogs can weigh as little as five pounds and can be as big as fourteen pounds.
• Groundhogs have grayish brown fur and tails that are bushy.
• Groundhogs usually have two layers of fur so that the outside layer serves as a waterproof layer and the inside layer maintains body heat.
• Groundhogs have an amazing sense of hearing as well as very sharp eyesight.
• Groundhogs have a lifespan of two to three years.
• Groundhogs can survive up to six years in the forests and up to ten years in captivity.

Groundhogs are fascinating creatures.  On behalf of Signature Pins, we want to wish you a safe and memorable Groundhog’s Day.  Like everyone else, we’d love to see Spring arrive early this year!