(Newswire.net — February 5, 2016) — If the groundhog sees its shadow when it looks out of its lair, winter will be a long one. If the animal does not see the shadow, winter will be over very soon.
On February 2, 2016, the American forecaster groundhog Punxsutawney Phil from Pennsylvania did not see it’s own shadow meaning that winter in that area will last another six weeks.
Punxsutawney Phil came out of the hole in 7:25pm local time.
It was the 130th forecast to date.
This traditional event was attended by several thousands of people and all were delighted that spring is coming soon!
According to data from the Groundhog Club, the prognosis from the furry forecasters has been 39 percent accurate.
Groundhog Day is a traditional annual holiday celebrated on February 2nd since 1887, when Clymer H. Freas, the editor of the local paper Punxsutawney Spirit, began to promote the town’s groundhog as the official Groundhog Day meteorologist.
In modern times, the holiday involves early morning celebrations to watch the groundhog emerging from its burrow.
This event is very popular and thousands of people come early in the morning to watch these furry forecasters, always named Phil.
In southeastern Pennsylvania this social event is always celebrated with delicious food, speeches and one or more plays or skits.
The only language spoken at the event is the Pennsylvania German dialect. Those who speak English pay a punishment per word spoken.
The eponymous fantasy comedy-drama, Groundhog Day, was directed by Harold Ramis, starring Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, and Chris Elliott and released in 1993.
In the movie, the Pittsburgh TV weatherman finds himself stuck in a time loop during the coverage of the Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, repeating the same day again and again, where he begins to re-examine his life and priorities.
Groundhog Day was added to the United States National Film Registry in 2006 due to it having cultural and historical significance.