As you likely know, the lore of this tradition revolves around what reaction a groundhog will have upon emerging from its burrow on this morning. The tradition itself was derived from a Pennsylvania Dutch superstition. The Pennsylvania Dutch were immigrants from Germanic-speaking areas of Europe. Germans already had a tradition of marking Candlemas (February 2) as “Badger Day” (Dachstag). For the Pennsylvania Dutch, it became the dox, which in Deitsch means “groundhog”.
In addition to Punxsutawney Phil, did you know that Buckeye Chuck, Dunkirk Dave, General Beauregard Lee, Jimmy the Groundhog, Milltown Mel, Potomac Phil, Sir Walter Wally, and Staten Island Chuck are other (more regionally or locally) famous furry critters with a knack for weather prognostication?
So, what is a groundhog? The groundhog (Marmota monax) is a hibernating rodent of the family Sciuridae and is referred to as a ground squirrel. Ground squirrels generally live on or in the ground, rather than trees. While that term is most often used for the medium-sized species of this family, the larger ones are more commonly known as marmots (for the genus Marmota), while the smaller ground squirrels tend to be known as chipmunks. In truth, in addition to being referred to as a groundhog or a marmot, this same critter is also known as a woodchuck. As in “how much wood would a woodchuck chuck?” That’s right, they’re actually the same animal (Marmota monax).
The differing common names likely come from different etymologies from around the world. The animal was called wejack, woodshaw and woodchoock by some American Indian cultures. Its scientific name for species (monax) is likely derived from an American Indian word for “the digger”. While most Americans today refer to these animals as groundhogs, Britains refer to them as woodchucks. Groundhogs have other common names as well, including whistle pig and land beaver. Whistle pig comes from their distinctive call that resembles a shrill whistle, whereas land beaver describes their habitat and behaviors.
Woodchuck up a tree – while still munching on a leaf
“How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?” That’s the thing. Woodchucks don’t eat wood. In fact, woodchucks will only eat tree bark if they arise from hibernation before vegetation has emerged. So, to answer the aforementioned riddle – not much.
View a short presentation regarding this fascinating rodent.
Did this post seem to repeat itself, what with differing names referring to the same critter?
Then perhaps it’s time to watch (and rewatch…) Groundhog Day once again!
Happy rewinds! (That is, for those of you who recall VCRs…)
Curious By Nature 