On Thursday, the country will turn its attention to its trusted meteorologist, Phil, the Punxsutawney groundhog.
According to History.com, Groundhog Day dates back to 1887. This tradition states that if the groundhog emerges from his home in the ground, sees his shadow and is spooked back in, there will be six more weeks of winter. If no shadow is spotted, an early spring is expected.
Groundhog Day has German roots and began with a hedgehog. When German immigrants came to the United States in the 1880s and settled in Pennsylvania, they found groundhogs and incorporated them into their tradition.
The holiday is beloved by thousands. Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, PA still hosts a myriad of Groundhog Day events and parties at the start of February. The main event begins at 3 a.m. on the morning of February 2 and goes until 10 a.m. when thousands gather in anticipation of Phil’s prediction.
Those who are looking for ways to celebrate can watch Phil’s livestream on the morning of Groundhog day.
Those interested in celebrating the holiday can also watch Groundhog Day. The popular 1993 movie stars Bill Murry who plays a meteorologist that continues to live the same day (Groundhog day) on repeat until he learns a life-altering lesson.
