Celebrated on February 2nd every year, Groundhog Day stemmed from the Pennsylvania Dutch tradition of using a groundhog and its shadow to predict the weather for the following six weeks. It is said that if the groundhog sees its shadow after peaking out from their den, six more weeks of winter will come. On the other hand, spring will come early if the groundhog comes out of its den and doesn’t see its shadow. 

Why is it celebrated?

This national holiday is still celebrated because it is an old English tradition. Thousands of people gather in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, and even more join in on the celebration via television every year to celebrate and actively participate in the American tradition. This holiday is another way for people nationwide to celebrate American culture. 

Results from this year’s prediction 

The results from the 2023 Groundhog Day event from the main groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, shocked many people. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow once he came out of his den, indicating six more weeks of winter. Though six more weeks of winter are predicted, Sand Marshall Sam, a possum in Alabama, predicted an early spring is to come. Overall, groundhogs or possums are not the most accurate for weather predictions in comparison to meteorologists.