Ancient Roots, Modern Holidays for Kids - Groundhog Day (original) (raw)
For Kids: Ancient Superstitions
There is an ancient expression that goes something like this: "If Candlemas be bright and clear, there'll be two winters in the year."
Many of the ancient cultures believed that certain weather conditions at one time of the year could affect weather conditions at another. They also believed that certain animals had magical abilities. The ancient Egyptians, for example, believed that cats could protect their homes. The ancient Celts (pronounced selts) believed that groundhogs could predict the weather.
Groundhogs dig homes under the ground called burrows. They sleep all winter. An ancient myth says they wake up each year from their winter sleep on Feb 2. A groundhog pops a head out of its hole in the ground, and takes a look around. If a groundhog sees its shadow, it becomes frightened, and pops back in its den for more sleep. That means six more weeks of winter. But, if a groundhog does not see his shadow, it won't be scared. It will come out and search for food, as it is very hungry after its long winter nap. That means spring is coming soon.
There is no truth in this. It's just an old myth. But it's a delightful old myth. In modern times, people pulled out this old superstition and created Groundhog Day! (Also sometimes spelled Ground Hog Day.)
Curious George Learns about Groundhog Day (animated cartoon)
Fun Facts about Groundhogs (animated cartoon)
Groundhog Day (Donn, cartoon PowerPoint)
The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club
Free Online Interactive Groundhog Day Games
Groundhog Day Interactive Online Free Games
For Teachers
Lesson Idea: Create a short myth about a wild animal that lives in your part of the world. Then, write an ancient style expression like the Candlemas one above. It's not as easy as it sounds. Sometimes it helps to make up the expression and then write the myth to fit the expression. For example, "If you spot a cougar's track, know that winter will be back." Or something like this: "When the salmon fill the creek, be careful of an eagle's beak." "If you hear two hoot owls screech, know that spring is soon in reach."