February 2nd

By Mutt Mulligan

Origins of Groundhog Day

February 2 is Groundhog Day, but do you know the origins of Punxatawney Phil, that sage old burrow dweller who has prognosticated the length of winter every February 2 since the 19^thcentury?

It turns out it comes from German folklore. When German settlers came to Pennsylvania, they adopted their belief that if a badger or sacred bear sees his shadow on Candlemas Day (February 2), then there will be six more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow, spring will come early. To accommodate for local wildlife, the groundhog dethroned the badger and bear as weather forecaster for North America. Punxatawney, located about 90 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, is the site of the annual event. For more background information, visit this article.