Groundhog Day

As early as February of 1841, Americans have relied on a groundhog to predict how much longer winter weather will last. Although the rodent is very rarely accurate, rated at about 39% according to the National Climatic Data Center, thousands of people still gather to celebrate Groundhog Day every February 2nd. Supposedly if the day is cloudy when a groundhog emerges from the ground winter weather will end and the animal will leave it's burrow. If the sun is shining and the groundhog sees his shadow he will retreat and winter will continue for six more weeks.

This weather forecasting tradition began in the 18th and 19th centuries using not only groundhogs, but a variety of animals such as badgers, bears, marmots, and even hedgehogs. The modern holiday is mostly celebrated in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania where crowds as large as 40,000 people gather to eat, drink, dance, and of course watch Punsutawney Phil predict the end of winter.

This already widely celebrated holiday became even more popular with the release of the 1993 comedy film, Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murray as the love-to-hate weatherman Phil Connors.

For more information on this bizarre holiday check out The Groundhog Day Book of Facts and Fun or watch the film, Groundhog Day.