NEW COMMENT: Today is February 2, 2008, Groundhog Day. I am happy to report to the learned members of the RIA that the day passed without incident here in the Hunnic Kingdom.

UPDATED: Today is February 2--Groundhog Day. On this date in history in 1886, the world celebrated the first Groundhog Day in, yes, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The trips to the famous Gobbler's Knob started in 1906.

Where does this all come from? February 2 is about the halfway point between the first day of winter and the first day of Spring. It was an important date in certain pagan religions and also became an important feast day in the Christian Church, Candlemas Day or the Feast of the Purification.

Old sayings and poems abound about if the "Sun shines on Candlemas Day, the snow shall swirl until May." Wikipedia states that the Germans had a legend about marmots, which are the same as groundhogs, seeing their shadow on Candlemas and causing six more weeks of winter.

Anyway it's all good fun and celebrated in the USA and Canada.

I have several of the critters in my back yard, but they must be snoring since I don't see them cavorting about. They and Fido have a mutual non-aggression pact.

ORIGINAL COMMENT: Fido and I often hunt groundhogs. A .22/250 works wonders on the little critters.

Not really much of a "holiday", but if you're into it, good for you. Having never been to Punxatawny (sp?), I never got entirely too excited about it. Actually, I don't know anyone personally who HAS, but if it works for you . . .

One of thoose awsome tradditions.

Not a holiday so much as an observation. I don't believe anyone gets the day off, with the possible exception of the keepers of the groundhog in Punxatawny.

Personally, I never notice the day, despite the occasional attempts by the local media to make it an event.

The only dumber holiday is Columbus Day - this is a nation that turns to a rodent for weather and closes banks to worship the man who 'discovered' America despite never setting one foot in America. . .but please, rodent-shadows does not a holiday make. . .

Kind of a cool holiday.Punxatawney Phil rocks!I am not sure of the name of the other one...does anyone know?

This is not a holiday!!!!!!! It's ridiculous! Leave the groundhog alone, and if you really care, go get a forecast from meteorologists.

Stand in front of the hole, wait until it sticks its head out and then throw a bag over it. Kill, skin and gut. Preheat oven to 350. Cook for 3 hours. Serve.

Finding a groundhog and getting an extended winter has nothing to do with holidays.

This is such a dumb holiday. Who goes around saying, Gosh I can't wait until Groundhog Day! A dumb tradition/myth and very pointless.

I never really understood the whole groundhog thing...it makes no sense!

Seems like a pretty pointless excuse for a holiday to me.

Its all about Bill Murray and Andie Macdowell.

Does anybody really believe that if old Phil sees his shadow it will have any effect whatsoever on the weather? Even weathermen must have more sense than that.

A holiday dedicated to weather? Even with no exchange of presents, this one manages to be good. I always hope he sees his shadow so more snow will (hopefully) come. Not to mention the movie by the same name is very amusing.

Being British,I'd not heard of this till i saw the film,which i happened to enjoy very much(though i know it's "not everyone's cup of tea").My enjoyment certainly wasn't hindered by the day being my birthday-if there's one day to keep being repeated,as in the film, it might as well be that one,though i suppose the endless round of receiving presents,being treated extra nicely etc might lose its appeal..eventually(I'm sure i could put up with it for a while!).Then,not to be too selfish,let everybody else's birthday have a turn.Anyway,i'm all for a public Groundhog Day holiday here in Britain(failing which i'll promote Candlemass,the same day).February does need a bit of cheering up,and i'd rather celebrate a furry,goofy animal than some of the public holidays,suggested or already in place.

First of all, I really do not consider this a holiday.I do not hate this day. It is harmless enough. At least we do not have to watch our tax money pay the federal,state workers to get another free day off. Living in a cold weather state I know full well enough we can still can snow clear into May so his shadow means nothing to me. I really do not pay all that much attention to ground hogs day.

what a useless holiday if i've ever seen one.

Nothing against the little ground hog, but this day is just not up to par with most of the others on this list and that includes Arbor Day. I have never really cared if the little guy sees his shadow or not and doubt if it really has anything to do with the weather we will have or how soon winter will end. NOW, if we can start getting a day off or holiday pay on this day then I might consider giving it a few extra stars. I’ll even throw in some kibble for the ground hog.

My most favorite of all Holidays there are!!! I love it since it is not religious, or offensive to anyone, or it shouldn't be anyway! I think it is one of those folklore things that sort of caught on in certain areas and is funny in many ways to even believe in this sort of superstition. I mean... come on we are going to have 6 more weeks of winter regardless of some stupid Groundhog seeing his shadow or not... right??? It can be celebrated with a simple laugh and that is all it takes to enjoy the holiday. Now here is why it is my most favorite of all the holidays combined... NO GIFTS!!!!