Happy Groundhog Day! If you don’t already know about this amusing holiday, every year in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania crowds gather to await a groundhog emerging from its burrow. According to the tradition, if the groundhog sees its shadow there will be six more weeks of winter, while if it doesn’t spring will come early. People all over the U.S. await to see what this groundhog predicts.
According to goerie.com, the name of this groundhog who predicts the weather is Punxsutawney Phil. Since this holiday originated sometime around 1887, you might think that there’s been multiple Punxsutawney Phils. But according to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, he is immortal and has been the same Punxsutawney Phil for 138 years. The club claims that they keep him immortal by giving him “groundhog punch” every year.
One student at Bob Jones states, “I think it’s a silly tradition, but it’s one worth keeping. If something this small and lighthearted can make people smile, I don’t see why we should abandon it.” Another student says, “I’ve never really understood the appeal, but at the same time, it’s silly, lighthearted, and makes a few people smile. It’s not for me, but it’s for them, and I believe that’s reason enough to keep the tradition going.”
According to Foxweather.com, Punxsutawney Phil’s predictions for the last 10 years were only 40% correct. A survey taken by Bob Jones students had a 50/50 tie on what they predicted would happen this year. The only way for you to find out now is to go check Punxsutawney Phil’s weather report!