Every year thousands of families gather around to witness an animal come out of hibernation in order to predict the weather for the future months. In other words, this is most popularly known as Groundhog Day.
This yearly event originates from a tradition in Europe to mark the midpoint between the winter solstice and the first day of spring. German settlers in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania started celebrating the holiday but this day didn’t gain interest till the Groundhog Day movie starring Bill Murray became famous. Punxsutawney Phil is the most popular groundhog but there are many others in different parts of the country. For example, in a neighboring county, Groundhog Orphie is known for his more accurate predictions.
Punxsutawney Phil statistically predicts accurately 40% of the time. He tends to predict more winter than he does an early spring. As for this year’s prediction, Phil did not see his shadow which means he predicted an early spring.
