On February 2 of each year, the United States observes the unusual…
On February 2 of each year, the United States observes the unusual holiday of Groundhog Day, a day of hope that winter is over and spring is beginning. This tradition has been officially observed in the U.S. since the 1800s, and is believed to have developed from European fold traditions in which a bear, fox, badger, or even hedgehog would serve as the symbolic meteorologist. Although other cultures and towns observe Groundhog Day (or something similar), the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania takes special pride in being home to the true forecasting groundhog. Punxsutawney, Phil. At the turn of the twentieth century, towns people formed the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club to perpetuate the joyful rituals and events surrounding Groundhog Day. Over the years, these events have come to include a scavenger hunt, a talent show and a ball.
Legend has it that on Groundhog Day the official weather forecasting groundhog awakens from hibernation and comes out of his burrow to look for his shadow. If he sees his shadow, six more weeks of winter are to come and Punxsutawney, Phil goes back to bed. However, if he does not see his shadow, Punxsutawney, Phil takes this as a sign that spring has arrived and he remains above ground. Of course, common sense tells us that February 2 is too early for spring to begin. and that while animals may be attuned to various elements of nature from which humans might learn they unlikely to act on their instincts based on a schedule of the Gregorian calendar. Nevertheless, a visit to Pennsylvania to see Punxsutawney,Phil and all of the fun he inspires each year might just provide the touch of hope needed to reach the end of winter.
1)Which of the following pairs of search terms entered into a search engine with the phrase “Groundhog Day” is likely to produce information about the origin of Groundhog Day?
a) Habitat and diet
b) Weather and farming
c) Holidays and festivities
d) History and folklore
2) Which of the following evidece from the passage supports the inference that Groundhog Day is is an entertaining tradition?
a) Over the year, these events have come to include a scavenger hunt, a talent show, and a ball.
b) Legend has it that on Groundhog day, the official weather forecasting groundhog awakens from hibernation and comes out of his burrow to look for his shadow.
c) This tradition has been officially observed in the U.S. since the 1800s and is believed to have developed from European traditions.
d) On February 2 of each year, the United States observes the unusual holiday of Groundhog Day, a day of hope that winter is over and spring is beginning.
3) What source would be most useful in determining the reliability of Punxsutawney, Phil’a predictions over a number of years?
a) An encyclopedia entry on mammals in the Northeast U.S.
b) A record of weather patterns in the last decade.
c) A historical survey of customs in Pennsylvania.
d) A memoir from a member of the Groundhog Club.
