Groundhog Day on Feb. 2 is right around the corner. A day when thousands of people will gather in Punxsutawney to hear the upcoming forecast from a rodent.
But just why is Groundhog Day celebrated in Punxsutawney? Why not in areas with a larger population such as New York, Los Angeles, or even larger cities in Pennsylvania including Pittsburgh or Philadelphia?
The American Community Survey from July of 2024 shows that Punxsutawney has an estimated 5,587 residents, compared to Pittsburgh, estimated at 307,688, or Philadelphia at 1,573,916.
The answer comes from Visitpa.com, a site run by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, that highlights historic Pennsylvania sites, eclectic food scenes, outdoor adventures and vibrant cities.
Visitpa.com states that Groundhog Day is a famous and beloved tradition that has deep cultural roots and a special place in the hearts of Punxsutawney residents.
More: Punxsutawney Phil set to make 130th prediction. How often is he right?
The history of Groundhog Day
For Groundhog Day, the tradition started before a groundhog was even in the mix. The origin according to visitpa.com goes back to the ancient European weather lore in Germany where people thought that animals, like hedgehogs, could be early predictors of seasonal change.
These Europeans celebrated a holiday known as Candlemas Day on Feb. 2. Candlemas marks the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.
The legend states that clear skies on this day meant a longer and harsher winter, but on a cloudy day it meant an early spring.
The tradition comes to Pennsylvania
Fast forward to the 1700s and 1800s when the Germans immigrated to the Pennsylvania area. They brought the Candlemas custom with them which eventually evolved into what today’s Groundhog Day is.
Since groundhogs were more native to Pennsylvania, compared to hedgehogs, they chose a groundhog as the meteorologist.
The first Groundhog Day
The very first Groundhog Day took place in 1887 in Punxsutawney and has since been celebrated there.
A small group known as the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club kicked off the celebration and held the first prediction in Gobbler’s Knob. The event eventually gained media attention and spread to the world.
Groundhog Day today
Groundhog Day is now a national celebration based off its tradition.
More: Can’t make it to Punxsutawney on Feb. 2? How to watch Groundhog Day live
On Feb. 2 each year more than 10,000 people gather in Punxsutawney for the festivities. Groundhog Day sheds light on the Pennsylvania heritage and gives a small town national recognition.
People gather in Gobblers Knob to hear if Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog forecaster, will see his shadow to predict six more weeks of winter, or not see his shadow to predict an early spring.
Nicholas Sorensen can be contacted at Nsorensen@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Diving into the origins of what Groundhog Day is today