What is a groundhog? Why do I care if it sees its shadow? Is it spring yet? Who knows!
So apparently, this weird tradition started in 1887 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The holiday was first referred to as Candlemas, by the German Community who lived there. Everyone would put a lit candle in the windows of their homes, to bring light in the darkness of winter. They believed that if the sun came out on February 2, there would be six more weeks of winter. So what does this have to do with a groundhog? I still have no idea. Eventually people just started using this groundhog as a reference for the weather. If the weather is cloudy when the groundhog emerges from its hole, then spring will come early that year. If it is sunny, the groundhog will see its shadow and head back inside. Winter will continue for another six weeks… you get the gist. The infamous groundhog goes by a myriad of identities: Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Prognosticators, and Weather Prophet Extraordinaire. This little guy is an A-list celeb. A huge celebration is held every year in Punxsutawney to this day. At last, today, Phil emerged from his little hole and unfortunately saw his shadow. Hope you are all excited for another 6 weeks of winter! #PhilIsaJerk