PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL
Groundhog
Day has been a tradition for years. Especially in a small town called
Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. This year was no exception.
Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania is home to the famous groundhog namesake, Punxsutawney Phil. Every year in February, he emerges from his burrow to predict the length of weeks remaining in the winter, according to tradition. The tradition states that if Phil does not see his shadow then spring is just around the corner. However, if he does see his shadow, then there is supposed to be six more weeks of winter.
Many wonder why Groundhog Day is observed with groundhogs. It wasn't always so. Groundhog Day is an old German tradition/superstition. German immigrants brought an older version of Groundhog Day with them when they settled in the United States. Originally, the tradition involved badgers predicting the weather. The German immigrants switched to groundhogs once they came to this country because they are easier to find than badgers.
On February 2, 2000, at 7:30 AM, Punxsutawney Phil came out of his burrow in the crisp air and saw his shadow! According to tradition, this means that there will be six more weeks of winter. Officials from Punxsutawney announced the results to anticipating media.
Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania has been performing this groundhog ritual for 114-years. It is a tradition that many enjoy and anticipate. Only time will tell if the prediction will come true this year.