History Of Groundhog Day: The Changing Of Seasons And Mental Health Implications

Groundhog Day is a holiday occurring on the second day of February each year. Originating in the 16th century, this day has a significant history and has been celebrated by various cultures and religions. Groundhog Day can also stand for the changing of the seasons and the hope for spring. As some people may struggle during the winter months, the Groundhog Day tradition can be a time for reflecting on mental health and the months ahead. If you’ve experienced seasonal mood changes, consider reaching out to a licensed therapist in person or online.

The history of Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day is typically celebrated in the US and Canada and began in the 16th century. This holiday is thought to have stemmed from superstition in the community of Pennsylvania or the Pennsylvania Dutch, though Don Yoder, a University of Pennsylvania professor who specializes in part in the study of Pennsylvania Dutch, believes the tradition may date back to “ancient, undoubtedly prehistoric, weather lore.”

The superstition states that if a groundhog emerges from its winter quarters and sees its own shadow on Groundhog day, winter may continue for six more weeks. If the groundhog’s shadow is not visible, spring may arrive early. Although this day often continues to be celebrated in the modern day, science does not necessarily back up the presence of spring based on whether a groundhog sees its own shadow. 

Groundhog Day was initially celebrated with a badger, as the translation of the word “badger” from Pennsylvania Dutch to English was “groundhog.” (Badger Day is a separate, unrelated day celebrated on October 6th.) In German lore, Groundhog Day was called “Candlemas Day.” If the weather was clear on February 2nd, it was expected that winter would continue for four more weeks. This holiday generally marked the midpoint between the solstice and the equinox. (The Pennsylvania Dutch also had groundhog lodges, which were fraternal meetings held mostly in the eastern and southeastern parts of the state twice a year to celebrate the culture and language of the Pennsylvania Dutch. These meetings are not directly related to Groundhog Day, but it’s interesting to consider the connection between the groundhog and this community.)

In the 21st century, the Groundhog Day ceremony is primarily celebrated in Pennsylvania, where a groundhog nicknamed “Punxsutawney Phil” is observed by a crowd on Groundhog Day morning. Other cities have also adopted their own versions of these events. 

Bill Murray and Groundhog Day: The movie 

Groundhog Day by Danny Rubin and Harold Ramis, starring Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Brian Doyle-Murray, Ned Ryerson, and Chris Elliot, tells the story of a weatherman named Phil Connors stuck in a time loop on Groundhog Day, watched by millions since its release. The movie, produced by Columbia Pictures and entered into the National Film Registry for preservation in 2006, features themes around repeating behaviors that may not serve you and examines how changing behavioral patterns can be worthwhile. 

The movie describes the main character as a “narcissistic” and “self-centered” man. He must face his behaviors, stop behaving in the same cycle, and learn to change in positive ways to end the time loop and return to a more wonderful life.

Punxsutawney Phil and modern celebrations of Groundhog Day 

Punxsutawney Groundhog Club

A group of men in top hats and tuxedos known as the Inner Circle usually accompanies Phil and waits to see him leave his burrow. If Phil wakes up and sees his shadow on the same day, the superstition of the original holiday states that the town will experience six more weeks of the winter season. 

Some other cities, such as Washington, DC, celebrate Groundhog Day with a fake stuffed groundhog named Potomac Phil. Others may not celebrate the holiday or watch for the results of Punxsutawney Phil’s emergence from his den online. Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, has its own celebration with a groundhog named Jimmy. The holiday is no longer taken seriously in many locations, but it can still be a fun way to celebrate the coming of spring. A few ways people may celebrate this holiday include the following: 

• Watching Phil leave his den online 

• Creating Groundhog Day crafts

• Predicting the weather for the coming weeks 

• Making dirt pie 

• Decorating your home or office with Groundhog Day crafts

• Playing with shadows with your children

• Learning about groundhogs, aka the whistle pig

• Shopping in the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club’s gift shop

• Visiting Punxsutawney Phil at his home in Pennsylvania  

Causes of seasonal mood changes

Groundhog Day is celebrated in February, which is a month of the year often impacted by heavy winter, cold, and darkness, depending on which area of the world in which you live. Mood changes can be common around early February, often due to the following causes. 

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) 

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is classified as a depressive disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). This condition is usually characterized by situational depression that occurs due to seasonal changes, most commonly in the autumn and winter months. 

A lack of light, colder days, and changes in one’s routine due to bad weather and rain or snow can be causes for the development of SAD. Symptoms of SAD may include the following: 

• A sense of melancholy and profound sadness 

• Reduced excitement, pleasure, and joy in previously enjoyed activities

• A sense of numbness or lack of emotion (anhedonia) 

• Difficulty practicing self-care or caring for oneself 

• Difficulty finding motivation 

• Thoughts of hopelessness or worthlessness 

• Isolating or withdrawing from social connections 

• Suicidal thoughts

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Support is available 24/7.

The standard treatment for SAD tends to be light therapy, which generally involves spending time each day in front of a special light of at least 10,000 lux. This type of therapy has been found effective in the treatment of SAD and other types of depression, as it can increase serotonin reuptake and improve mood over time.  

Transitions and changes in routine 

Winter may involve transitions in one’s routine. For example, as the days get shorter, there may seem to be less time to complete errands or tasks. With a lack of light, it can be challenging to get vitamin D from the sun and reap the benefits of spending time in nature. Vitamin D deficiencies from not getting enough sunlight can be a significant cause of low mood and depression. 

In addition to changes in light and nature, work schedules may change for the holidays, and the holiday season can lead to financial challenges, family conflict, and other routine changes. February can seem like a transitionary period between a long winter and the spring months. Meanwhile, January is considered by some to be the “most depressing month of the year,” which can make February a difficult month with which to cope. 

How to cope with seasonal challenges

You're not alone if you’re experiencing seasonal challenges around Groundhog Day. Below are a few strategies for coping with these symptoms. 

Practice self-care 

Self-care can be crucial, especially when experiencing conditions like SAD. If you struggle to practice self-care in the ways you used to, you might adapt these practices to the winter season, using self-care techniques like the following: 

• Journaling about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences daily 

• Setting a schedule for hygiene, like brushing your teeth and showering

• Finding new hobbies or partaking in old ones 

• Spending time with loved ones 

• Learning a new skill, such as a language or cooking technique 

• Relaxing in a hot bath or shower 

• Having a “pampering” or “spa” day

• Taking a break from stressful errands

• Seeking help from a professional 

Adapt your routine 

The changing of seasons can also mark a change in routine. You might consider adapting your routine to the winter months by finding ways to complete errands inside, such as ordering groceries online. You can also adjust your routine by adding light boxes or salt lamps to your home, which may improve your mood. These lights can add ambient lighting for relaxation and have been associated with reduced depression. 

Talk to a therapist

If you’re experiencing significant mood changes during February, help is available. Groundhog Day typically marks a time between winter and spring for those in the Northern Hemisphere, and it can be challenging to cope with a lack of light and fewer daylight hours. In these cases, you may benefit from speaking to a therapist. You don’t have to be diagnosed with a mental illness to benefit from therapy, and over 41.7 million US adults see a therapist each year. 

If you are struggling to leave home due to seasonal depression or a change in routine, you can also have therapy online through a platform like BetterHelp. With an online therapy platform, you can have unique resources like group sessions, journaling prompts, and worksheets. In addition, you can choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions with your therapist. 

Studies show that online therapy can be effective in treating depression. In one review of 17 studies, online therapy was found to be significantly more effective in treating depression than face-to-face therapy.