Free Printable GRoundhog Day Activity Set
Groundhog Day is a popular North American tradition celebrated on 2nd February in the United States and Canada. The tradition centers around the superstition that a groundhog emerging from its burrow on this day can predict the arrival of spring. To help you celebrate with Punxsutawney Phil, Fun Crafts Kids has produced a fun free printable Groundhog Day activity set with lots of things to do with friends and family.
The Groundhog Day activity set includes:
1 x Groundhog Day predictor
2 x Groundhog Day word games
3 x What am I? puzzle
1 x Groundhog Day coloring page
2 x Groundhog printable posters
The History of Groundhog Day
Candlemas Day, or the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus Christ, is a Christian Holy Day celebrated on 2nd February commemorating the presentation of Jesus at the Temple. It is over 800 years old! In Germany the tradition started when Candlemas Day also became kinown as “Badger Day” (Dachstag). The tradition states that if a badger emerges from its set that day into sunlight and can see its shadow; then the badger will return to its set for another four weeks until winter had past. Thereby predicting if there will be an early Spring.
The Pennsylvania Dutch immigrants to North America brought the tradition with them. The predominantly German speaking communities in Pennsylvania were first recorded to have celebrated Groundhog Day on February 2, 1840. However, The badger had been replaced by the Groundhog and if the Groundhog returned to its den winter would last for a further six weeks!
Today the largest Groundhog Day celebration is held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Up to 40,000 people regularly attend each year! The central figure of the event is Punxsutawney Phil – the groundhog! The ceremony starts before dawn when Punxsutawney Phil emerges from his temporary home on Gobbler’s Knob about 2 miles southeast of town.
Tradition says that if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow and returns to his den then he has predicted six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow and stays out then there will be an early spring! Unfortunately Punxsutawney Phil is not very good at predicting the end of winter – with an average 35% – 45% accuracy rate!
2021 will celebrate the 135th Groundhog Day. However, due to COVID 19, Punxsutawney Phil will be wear a mask and the ceremony will be held behind closed doors with socially distancing!
FREE PRINTABLE CHINESE ZODIAC COLORING PAGES
Chinese New Year 2021 will take place on Friday, 12 February and will start the Year of the Ox! Print our free, cute Chinese Zodiac coloring pages as part of your celebrations!
Did you know that the Ox is the second of the twelve Chinese zodiac animals. Legend states that the Jade Emperor proclaimed that order of the Chinese Zodiac would be set by the order that they arrived at his party. Although the Ox was destined to be the first to arrive; the Rat tricked the Ox into giving him a ride! Just as they arrived at the party, the sneaky Rat jumped down ahead of Ox to become the first animal!
Click here to get the 12 Chinese Zodiac Coloring pages.
Dragon Printable Puppet
If you are looking for some Chinese New Year Activities, do take a look at Red Ted Art’s FREE Dragon Puppet Printable. This post also looks at some other creative activities you can use this printable with.
Click here to go to Red Ted Art’s “Ways to Use the Dragon Printable Puppet” blog.