10 Things you didn't know about Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day became the subject of international attention when it was made into the classic comedy starring Bill Murray in 1993. This event, taking place on 2nd February every year, has a fascinating history that makes for a quirky backdrop to the film. To celebrate, we’ve selected ten key facts about the day and the film that you’re sure to want to repeat over and over again (sorry. There may be a few more of these)

It was originally a European Folktale

Groundhog Day itself dates from the late 19th Century in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The belief that animals could predict the end of winter had existed in Europe since at least the Middle Ages, and was brought to American by German immigrants, where the traditional badger was replaced with a groundhog. Whilst ‘Punxsutawney Phil’ is the centre of attention every 2nd February, studies show that the groundhog only has an accuracy rate of about 40%. Still, it spices up the weather forecast.

February 2nd is literally ‘midwinter’

It may seem a date picked at random, but February 2nd is a “cross-quarter” day, falling halfway between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. It’s no surprise that by this point people are crossing their fingers for an early Spring.

Groundhogs hit the ’snooze’ button too

Male Groundhogs come out of hibernation in February to search for potential mates. Once they have located a territory containing several female burrows, they tend to return to their own for another month or so of sleep, until the mating season begins properly in March. Sleeping through January and February? We can sympathise…

The real Punxsutawney Phil may be stuck in his own ‘Groundhog Day’

Loyal fans of Groundhog Day - and the occasion’s most famous groundhog - claim that Phil is actually immortal, and has been making weather predictions since 1886 when the event first took place in Punxsutawney. Perhaps it was inspiration for the film’s own timeloop…

Punxsutawney Phil is an abbreviated title

The Groundhog’s full name is in fact Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Prognosticators, and Weather Prophet Extraordinary

The film either took place over 10 years - or 10,000…

Over the years, many people have weighed in on the amount of time grumpy weatherman Phil Connors was trapped reliving Groundhog Day in the film. The film’s director, Harold Ramis once stated it was ten years, but estimates have varied greatly - even writer Danny Rubins believed it would have taken Phil 10,000 years to achieve everything he did in the film. However, just 38 days are depicted in the movie itself.

Bill Murray had an uneasy relationship with the Groundhog…

Murray was bitten twice by the Groundhog during filming, which required him to have rabies injections due to their severity. One of these incidents occurred during the scene where Phil is seen driving with the animal. Murray improvised the line ‘don’t drive angry’ in order to cover up the fact that the groundhog was agitated and trying to escape - judging by its reaction, it did not take his advice!

Truth is stranger than fiction

Since the release of the film, Bill Murray, Stephen Tobolowsky (Ned Ryerson) and director Harold Ramis have all been Grand Marshals at the annual Groundhog Day celebrations in Punxsutawney. Tobolowsky even performed Ned’s signature ‘whistling belly button’ trick on stage.

Bill Murray had very pleasant competition

Tom Hanks, John Travolta, Chevy Chase and Steve Martin were all considered for the role, before being rejected by Harold Ramis as they were too ’nice’ for the role. We guess even backhanded compliments are compliments, Bill…

The film is a cultural touchstone

Groundhog Day is frequently listed as one of the best comedies of all time, and was also cited by Roger Ebert as one of his Great Movies. In 2006 it was selected by the Library Of Congress to be preserved in the National Film Registry in the United States. Films are selected to be included on the basis of their ‘cultural, historical and aesthetic significance’.


We hope you’ve discovered some fascinating things about Groundhog Day - if you have been tempted to rewatch, why not see the products available in our online shop which have been inspired by the film. And for the full experience, don’t forget to come back tomorrow and read this article all over again (we did warn you there would be more)!