Groundhog Day is seen as a predictor for the arrival of spring. Some view the festivities with tongue in cheek, and others base winter activities on the Groundhog.
February 2 is set aside to perpetuate a Pennsylvania Dutch event and the superstition which surrounds it. If the weather is clear, and a groundhog leaves it’s burrow and sees it’s shadow, then it will burrow back into the den and winter will continue for six more weeks. However, if the groundhog does not see his shadow because the day is cloudy or overcast, spring is close to beginning.
Most people know the story. Weather statistics have not established a clear correlation between whether or not the groundhog sees his shadow and weather activity. The badger is used as a weather forecaster in some German-speaking lands, but here within United States, a groundhog serves as the star of the show. Each year the town of Punxsutawney, in western Pennsylvania, recreates with vigor the Groundhog Day ceremony. The ‘hog at the center of the focus is the real Punxsutawney Phil!
countries other than the United States have adopted the ceremony.
