History Series: Groundhog Day

The History of Groundhog Day

Its pagan, Christian, and secular roots

Groundhog Day comes from Candlemas Day, observed for centuries in parts of Europe on February 2. The custom was for the clergy to bless candles — representing how long winter would be — and distribute them to the people.

What are the pagan, Christian, and secular roots of this holiday?

Connection to a Pagan Holiday?

The pagan celebration of Imbolc — the Feast of the goddess Bridget, or Brigid in Ireland — is observed by modern pagans.

A Christian Holiday

In Christian Ireland, it’s St. Bridget’s Day — the Abbess of Kildare and the patron of midwives — and the “cross-quarter day” comes at the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. The Roman Legions, it is said, initially brought the tradition to the Germans.

What is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord?

Candlemas is 40 days after Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. In the second chapter of his Gospel, Luke records that Jesus was brought to the Temple in Jerusalem “to present him to the Lord,” as is required by the Jewish Law of Moses for…