Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Groundhog Day
Every February 2, people gather at Gobbler’s Knob, a wooded knoll just outside of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.
If Punxsutawney Phil, the most famous groundhog, sees his shadow, it means six more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow, it means spring is just around the corner.
Approximately 90% of the time, Phil sees his shadow.
Local residents say that Phil has never been wrong.
The ceremony in Punxsutawney was held in secret until 1966, and only Phil’s prediction was revealed to the public. Since then, Phil’s fearless forecast has been a national media event.
The groundhog comes out of his electrically heated burrow, looks for his shadow and utters his prediction to a Groundhog Club representative in “groundhogese.” The representative then translates the prediction for the general public.
Phil started making predictions in 1887 and has since become an American institution.
Any colorers in your house?
