Groundhug Day

Explores the national phenomenon of Groundhog Day, opening with a look at the annual celebration in Punxsutawney. The author investigates the holiday's European origins, recounts the history of the groundhog as weather prognosticator in America -- from ethnic symbol to pop culture hero -- and traces the groundhog's appearance in poetry, songs, and recipes. Other weather lore and weather-predicting days are also discussed.