Groundhog Day is a well-known tradition in the United States, and has been since the 1880's when it was brought over by German settlers. Every year on February 2nd, a groundhog is brought out of his home. If he sees his shadow and darts back in, it means that there will be six more weeks of winter. If he stays out, spring is coming! While many Americans do check the results of Groundhog Day or enjoy the festivities, few actually put any weight behind a groundhog's prediction, and with good reason.
Punxsutawney Phil is America's most popular groundhog. He lives in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, which was the first town in the US to report a groundhog prediction in 1886. Since then, this small town has been home to the biggest Groundhog Day celebration worldwide. Every year, up to 40,000 people travel to the town to see Punxsutawney Phil make his prediction. Now, there is even a livestream so everyone can watch Phil. However, Phil isn't the most successful meteorologist. According to a story published by Newsela, Punxsutawney Phil has only been right 40% of the time.
Whether or not Groundhog day is in any way an accurate form of predicting springtime, it's always a fun event for citizens, even when 6 more weeks of winter is predicted like it was this year.
I didn't know that this started in the 1880's so that was surprising to me! I also thought that being 40% right was also surprising because everyone just follows what the groundhog says.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a funny tradition!
ReplyDeleteIt's very surprising and funny that people who live in America rely on Phil-a groundhog-so much given that he's only right 40% of the time.
ReplyDeleteI hate groundhogs. do not care about their day
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