Published February 06. 2026 12:18AM
The temperature hung at 16 degrees (-9 degrees Celsius) near the Wehr Dam 7 a.m. Feb. 2, where a small group of intrepid visitors waited for the weather prognostication from Yahdee and his nephew Lee.
Both are members of the American version of Candlemas, an early Christian holiday when candles were blessed and distributed.
It was believed that if the skies were clear on Feb. 2, then a long winter was to follow.
When the tradition spread to Germany, the Germans added that if a hedgehog came out of its burrow on Feb. 2 and saw its shadow, it would portend a long winter.
When Germans came to America in the 17th century, they brought this tradition with them, but since hedgehogs were not in abundance, they chose the Grundsau (groundhog) as their prognosticator.
That tradition continues today not only in Punxsutawney, but throughout the Pennsylvania German community in Eastern and Central Pennsylvania.
Dave Adam, Haaptmann (president) of Grundsau Lodsch Nu. 16 Am Jahden (Groundhog Lodge No. 16 on the Jordan Creek) was master of ceremonies for the Feb. 2 ceremony, as he has been for many years.
Adam is a prolific Pennsylvania German speaker and holds classes in the dialect at Jordan Lutheran Church, Orefield, for those interested in learning the longest enduring non-English language in America.
Haaptmann Dave Adam (president, Grundsau Lodsch Nu. 16 Am Jahden) welcomes visitors to the annual Grundsau (groundhog) ceremony. Both the American flag and the flag of the Pennsylvania Germans are seen in the foreground.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELANDBarbara and Ronald Mohr, of New Tripoli, have every reason to cozy up as the temperature hangs around 16 degrees during the annual Grundsau Day ceremony near Wehr Dam in South Whitehall.
And here it comes folks, Grundsau Lee’s prognostication for the weather – six more weeks of winter as he sees his shadow on Grundsau Day Feb. 2 near South Whitehall’s Wehr Dam.
Ironton’s Diane Taylor and 4-year-old coonhound Gypsy join the celebration of the annual Grundsau (groundhog) ceremony held near the Wehr Dam in South Whitehall Township.
