Would you trust the weather forecast to a groundhog?

Every year on February 2^nd, Americans traditionally celebrate Groundhog Day.

At this time several thousand people gather and watch to see if the groundhog will predict a longer winter or earlier spring. Punxsutawney Phil, a famous groundhog, does this task every year.

When he comes out of his den, he tells the president of the Groundhog Club the weather forecast in groundhog language.

He is the only one who understands groundhogs, and then the president passes on information to the public.

This custom began in 1887 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. It was brought by the Germans who immigrated to these places in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Punxsutawney is still the center of action on February 2^nd. Between 15,000 and 30,000 people visit this small town of 6,000 inhabitants each year. They are interested in what the groundhog will predict.

The event is accompanied by numerous performances, shows, and banquets organized by the Groundhog Club.

The story of Groundhog Day was brought to the world in 1993 by the classic movie, Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murray.

How accurate has the groundhog’s prediction been over the years?

Groundhogs are mammals classified as rodents. They are found in the eastern United States and Canada as far up as Alaska.

The weather has been predicted by the same groundhog since 1887 – Phil from Punxsutawney. He is said to have lived so long because he takes a sip of the elixir of life every summer.

This is, of course, a legend. Groundhogs can live up to 14 years in captivity.

Glossary

An elixir is a miraculous, healing drink – a potion.

Points to Consider

1. Do you know any other American holidays?
2. Can you think of any other traditions for predicting the weather?
3. Have you seen the movie Groundhog Day?

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The original version of this article was published on 2^nd February.