The Groundhog Says We Have More Winter

Groundhog Day is a North American and Canadian celebration that happens every February 2. Groundhog Day comes from a Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that when the groundhog comes out from its burrow on February 2 and sees its shadow due to clear weather, then winter will go on for six more weeks; if it does not see its shadow because of cloudiness, spring will arrive early. 

 The groundhog that does all the predictions is called Punxsutawney Phil. He has been making these predictions since 1886! According to The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club the mythical story of Punxsutawney Phil is that he supposedly gets his longevity from drinking the “elixir of life,” a secret recipe. Phil takes one sip every summer at the Groundhog Picnic, and it magically gives him seven more years of life. 

 Although Groundhog Day is not a very well-known holiday, people often look forward to it to know how much more winter they should expect. Freshmen Kaitlyn S doesn’t like winter much and hopes it’s over early.  “It’s easier to get sick and it is very cold. Even though there is a lot to do in the winter you’re not able to hang out with your friends as much,” she shares.  

 However, how much credibility we can put into this groundhog is questionable. Baltimore weatherman Justin Berk shares, “ his accuracy is under 50% but it’s something for the ones that hope for more winter.”

 Whether you believe in the prediction of Groundhog Day it can be a  fun holiday that can be enjoyable for everyone. Plus, I heard groundhogs are unbelievably cute.  As for this winter, he saw his shadow yesterday so the prediction is that we will have winter for six more weeks.