Happy Ground Hog Day

 Groundhog Day marks the North American holiday

that is celebrated every year on February 2nd in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The premise of the holiday is based around a legend that a groundhog by the name of Punxsutawney Phil can help predict the longevity of winter weather.

According to folklore the groundhog can predict the weather based on whether or not it sees its shadow after popping out of a burrow. If the animal sees its shadow and is afraid to come out of the burrow, then this means winter will extend for six weeks. On the flipside, if Phil doesn’t see his shadow and comes out of the burrow, which means wintry weather conditions will end soon. Spectators hope for the latter, as this indicates an early spring in both the U.S. and Canada.

Role of Punxsutawney Phil

Punxsutawney Phil is the official groundhog for the holiday celebrations. He lives in Punxsutawney full-time with his wife, Phyllis. Both groundhogs receive royal treatment from the town and they get to live a cozy life in the library. Every year he is let outside on Groundhog Day to make his weather predictions. Phil is a beloved symbol of the town, and he has made the holiday quite a tourist attraction.

Phil’s weather predictions are debatable, as well as his real age. According to die-hard Punxsutawney Phil fans, only one groundhog has made the weather predictions for over 120 years since the tradition started. However, groundhogs are said to have a lifespan of six to 14 years, depending on their health and surroundings.