By Staff Writer Elizabeth Chapman
Groundhog Day, an actual day that exists and not just the classic movie!
But what is Groundhog Day? Where does it come from?
Groundhog Day occurs annually at daybreak on Feb. 2, based in the small town of Punxsutawney, Pa. Every year, thousands gather in Gobbler’s Knob to see a groundhog predict whether to expect 6 more weeks of winter, or an early spring with warmer temperatures.
This ceremonious day dates back to the 1700s, when German settlers came to Pennsylvania and brought with them their own set of superstitions and legends. Groundhog day is based on an old German tale, the legend of Candlemas.
Instead of the original legend, that involves blessing and distributing candles for the remaining winter needs, the German settlers adapted the idea, so now, a groundhog will poke its head out of its hole to predict the rest of their winter weather candle needs. If Punxsutawney Phil, the designated groundhog, sees his shadow then winter will continue for another six weeks. If, however, he does not see his shadow when he pops out, then we are in for an early spring.
While Groundhog Day began in a small town in Pa., the tradition is now widely celebrated across the United States. The first ceremoniously celebrated Groundhog Day was put on by Clymer Freas on Feb. 2, 1886, on Gobbler’s Knob.
The tradition may have started off with only the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, but it has grown into a much larger event that is broadcast nationwide and brings in tens of thousands of people to watch the legendary groundhog. Although many fans and promoters claim Phil’s predictions have never been incorrect, data shows that his success rate is only about 40%.
The Official Punxsutawney Groundhog Club Inner Circle, the select group who puts on the ceremony, claims that there has only ever been one Phil, the same Phil who began the tradition in 1886! Although this rumor is likely a part of the decorum of Groundhog Day, since the lifespan of a groundhog is not 136 years. Because the day is so widely celebrated, there are other groundhog’s who also predict the upcoming winter weather such as Chuck from Staten Island. While he may not be the official groundhog, his accuracy appears to be much higher, at 82%!
According to the reading of Phil, we’ll see long winter this year.