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Groundhog Sees Shadow: More Winter Ahead!
2 Feb
Summary
- Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter.
- The ritual dates back over a century to ancient European traditions.
- Groundhog Day falls on February 2nd, the year's midpoint.
Punxsutawney Phil, the famous weather-predicting groundhog, has emerged from his burrow and indicated six more weeks of winter are to come. His handlers interpret his winks and chatters as meteorological predictions. This beloved tradition takes place annually on February 2nd at Gobbler's Knob in Pennsylvania.
The Groundhog Day ritual has roots stretching back over a century, drawing inspiration from ancient European farming customs. The event has seen a significant surge in popularity since the 1993 film "Groundhog Day." Last year's forecast from Phil also pointed towards an extended winter season.
Groundhog Day marks the precise midpoint of the year, falling between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. This date holds significance in various cultural calendars, including the Celtic calendar and the Christian holiday of Candlemas. Many other locations across the U.S. and Canada also host their own Groundhog Day celebrations.
