Happy Groundhog Day! What will Punxsutawney Phil predict this year?
By Sarah Granlund
Staff Editor

Ah, Groundhog Day. Possibly the weirdest holiday Americans have adopted from other cultures.

Today is the day that Punxsutawney Phil, the official groundhog for the day, decides if we’re faced with six more weeks of winter or if it’s time to dig out the sandals and tank tops.

A groundhog made his first official appearance and prediction in America on February 2, 1887, and we’ve been celebrating ever since.

Though more of an American tradition than an official holiday, stores everywhere celebrate Groundhog Day with sales and promotions, while children spend the day making groundhog finger puppets and dioramas.

Why is Groundhog Day here? Immigration of course! Supposedly, the day originated in Germany, where farmers used to predict the length of winter by observing when animals that hibernated awoke, specifically badgers and bears. When some of these farmers immigrated to Pennsylvania, the home of Punxsutawney Phil, they brought the tradition with them. But because of a lack of other animals, groundhogs were used instead, and February 2nd is the official day because it’s the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox.

Most people don’t believe that the groundhog’s shadow really has anything to do with the onset of spring, but some people take the day and its meaning very seriously. Especially residents of Punxsutawney, Penn. where Phil lives. They have an official website, and wacky souvenirs are on-sale at www.punxsutawneyphil.com.

So, in celebration of a 120 year old American tradition, send someone a Groundhog Day e-card, eat Groundhog Day Dirt Pie (chocolate pudding with chocolate graham crackers crushed and sprinkled on top), or watch 1993’s Groundhog Day, but don’t take Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction too seriously - he’s only been right about 50 times.