What is Groundhog Day?
Groundhog Day is a weather‑prediction folk tradition celebrated every February 2. According to the legend, if the groundhog sees its shadow, winter lasts six more weeks; if not, spring comes early.
Where and when did it start?
The tradition began in the late 1800s in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, brought to the U.S. by German immigrants who adapted older European weather lore. The first official celebration occurred in 1887.
How do they choose the groundhog?
Punxsutawney Phil is selected and cared for by a ceremonial group called the Inner Circle, who handle him during the annual event at Gobbler’s Knob.
Is there anything special about the chosen groundhogs?
Groundhogs used in these ceremonies are typically local, named animals (e.g., Punxsutawney Phil, Staten Island Chuck). They are symbolic mascots rather than scientifically selected forecasters.
How accurate are the predictions?
Across more than a century of records, Punxsutawney Phil’s accuracy rate is about 35–40%, according to NOAA and other analyses.
Where are the predictions relevant?
Groundhog Day predictions are mostly a cultural tradition, not a scientific forecast. They are celebrated across the U.S. and Canada, but the predictions themselves are not region‑specific or meteorologically reliable.
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