Will the groundhog see his shadow this year? What to know about Groundhog Day 2024

Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal
·2 min read

Are you hoping for a long, cold winter or an early spring? Soon enough, a four-legged friend of ours will emerge from his burrow, dictating exactly that.

Groundhog Day, taking place Friday, Feb. 2, is right around the corner. With much anticipation, residents across the state of Kentucky are patiently waiting, hoping for some warm weather after a cold front rocked the area in January.

When is Groundhog Day?

Groundhog Day is observed in the U.S. and Canada on Feb. 2 every year and falls on a Friday in 2024.

Will the groundhog see his shadow this year?

After a cold front swept through the state during January, Kentucky residents are ready for plenty of warm weather and sunshine, but will their wishes be granted?

According to Old Farmer’s Almanac Groundhog Day predictions, everyone might just luck out this year with no more wintry weather. Cloudy skies are anticipated on Feb. 2, meaning everyone’s favorite four-legged friend is unlikely to see his shadow, predicting an early spring.

It’s believed if the groundhog sees his shadow, six more weeks of a long winter will occur, while not seeing his shadow means spring is near.

Murray is a 1-year-old groundhog donated to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. He is Ohio's "Buckeye Chuck," the animal tasked with predicting the forecast on Groundhog Day.
Murray is a 1-year-old groundhog donated to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. He is Ohio's "Buckeye Chuck," the animal tasked with predicting the forecast on Groundhog Day.

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Why do we celebrate Groundhog Day?

Groundhog Day is a unique tradition dating back to European and ancient times. According to Old Farmer’s Almanac, the day was originally a Celtic festival called Imbolc. The celebration signified the Sun was halfway to the spring equinox, meaning a new season and light were nearby.

The day is also often referred to as St. Brigid’s Day, referring to the Celtic goddess Brigantia, as well as Ireland’s patron saint, also a Christian saint, Brigid of Kildare.

Christian festival Candlemas is also observed on Feb. 2, named after the lit candles, and larger significance of light over dark.

Historically, a bear or a badger was used to dictate an early spring or a long winter, but when German immigrants traveled to the U.S. in the 1800s, they were difficult to find. However, there were lots of groundhogs, becoming the new face of the tradition.

Ready to kiss winter goodbye? Here's when the first day of spring is in 2024.

What's happening in Kentucky for Groundhog Day 2024?

Second Chances Wildlife Center, a Kentucky nonprofit animal rehabilitation and education center, is hosting their Groundhog Gathering from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 2, according to their website. For $5 per person, attendees can meet Josie Burrow, the center’s groundhog and “licensed educational ambassador”, according to their website.

Other inclusions are a brief educational presentation, groundhog-themed crafts and snacks, and access to the gift shop.

Second Chances Wildlife Center is located at 487 Gentry Lane in Mount Washington and tickets can be purchased through the organization's website via Eventbrite.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Groundhog Day is almost here, and this Kentucky spot celebrates