Health & Fitness
Blog: “First Groundhog Day” This Day in History – Feb 2nd
"First Groundhog Day" and "Gene Kelly Dies" - This Day in History – Feb 2nd
Punxsutawney Phil Picks Pennsylvania’s Predictions (whew!)
Back in 1887, the small Pennsylvanian Borough of Punxsutawney showcased a new method of forecasting the early spring due to a cute, fuzzy, rodent, “Groundhog.” This furry creature is also known as a woodchuck, whistle-pig and land beaver became the famous weather mammals to Gobbler's Knob’s the home of the Groundhog called, “Punxsutawney Phil.”
The tradition of this weather report is simple, if the groundhog comes out of its hole on this day one of two predictions will be true:
Find out what's happening in Tredyffrin-Easttownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
If he sees its shadow: Six more weeks of winter
If he does not sees its shadow: Early spring
Find out what's happening in Tredyffrin-Easttownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
According to history.com, “Groundhog Day has its roots in the ancient Christian tradition of Candlemas Day, when clergy would bless and distribute candles needed for winter. The candles represented how long and cold the winter would be. Germans expanded on this concept by selecting an animal--the hedgehog--as a means of predicting weather. Once they came to America, German settlers in Pennsylvania continued the tradition, although they switched from hedgehogs to groundhogs, which were plentiful in the Keystone State.”
The area of Punxsutawney celebrates this weather forecast in grand fashion every year on February 2nd. Me wear tuxes and top hats for this bodacious occasion. People come from all over to get up early and witness Phil being pulled out of a hole and await the good or bad news (depending on your weather preference).
To get additional information on this day of the Groundhog, visit the links below:
Pittsburgh’s Legendary Dancer, Gene Kelly dies
Gene Kelly, the dancer and choreographer of numerous Hollywood musicals such as, “Singing in the Rain” and “An American in Paris,” died on this day at the age of 83 back in 1996. Born in Pittsburgh, PA in 1912, Mr. Kelly would show athleticism in his dancing abilities. He would star in musicals with famous actresses such as Cyd Charisse, Debbie Reynolds and Shirley MacLaine. Mr. Kelly also danced with an animated mouse called, “Jerry.”
History.com states that, “In 1951, Kelly headlined An American in Paris, which won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Kelly picked up a special Oscar, in honor of his “extreme versatility as an actor, singer, director and dancer, but specifically for his brilliant achievement in the art of choreography.” At the pinnacle of his career, Kelly cemented his iconic status with his work in what was arguably the last great movie musical, Singin’ in the Rain (1952). The movie featured one of the most memorable scenes in film history: Kelly dancing and singing alone on the street during a downpour, with only his umbrella for a prop.”
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