On February
2nd every year a crowd gathers in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. They come to see a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil predict the weather for the
end of winter. If it is sunny when he emerges from his burrow, and he sees his
shadow, then there will be six more weeks of winter. If it is cloudy and Phil
does not see his shadow, then spring will come early.
This odd
tradition began with some of the first settlers in Pennsylvania, who observed a
holiday called Candlemas Day. According to this early tradition, if the day was
sunny, there would be “two winters” (a long winter). But if Candlemas Day was cloudy,
then winter would “fly away” (spring would be early).
A man named
Clymer H. Freas is credited with starting the tradition of using a groundhog to
predict the weather on February 2nd. He lived in
Punxsutawney. A local hunting group, who hunted groundhogs and hosted a picnic
after the hunt, inspired him. Since that time we have watched Punxsutawney Phil
on February 2nd in the hope that he will predict an early spring!
Sources of Information:
This is a pretty interesting tradition. Kind of funny that we would consider trusting the rodent.
ReplyDeleteHahaha! People will believe anything!
DeleteHello!...I'm Ruth. Is interesting know that araund "the groundhog" made a big celebration.This tradicional festival is part of the history of this country.In this celebracion have intertainment,supertition and use prediction like a meteorogical tool.Using this mascot like most important piece araund this festivity...But it really isn't clear idea to take for a weather forecast.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Ruth. Puxsutawney Phil has only right about 38% of the time. :-)
DeleteWell, according to the weather last Saturday the winter should last six more weeks. However, if we consider the last Saturday's morning the spring is coming! And this is what I prefer.
ReplyDeleteThank you Agnes! :-)
DeleteI think this is a beattiful tradition, because this is a great way for us not to forget our ancestor's traditions and how we apply them to our generations.
ReplyDeleteExcellent, Norma! Thank you!
DeleteEvery 2nd of february in pennsylvania they celebrate groundhog DAY as a tradition
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gustavo!
DeleteIt is good to know other people like Mr. Clymer that has a different traition, they want a day to get together to celebrate.
ReplyDeleteWell done, Rosa.
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ReplyDeleteThe tradition of Groundhog Day is interesting. I think, he is very cute. I call him weather man.
ReplyDeleteKaysone
ReplyDeleteOn February 2 groundhog named phil pridict the weather for the end of winter
I can not imagine such a small animal can predict more than a person.
ReplyDeleteI think its a funny story, but this is a good tradition for winter gathering.
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone!! :-)
ReplyDelete