Punxsutawney's annual tradition
In a town called Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, a very traditional, peculiar, and fun event takes place every year, bringing together thousands of people and centered around a groundhog. This event is known as Groundhog Day.
Something about the origins of this celebration and its American adaptation
This event has roots in Europe, specifically in the winter celebration of Candlemas. According to tradition, a sunny day during Candlemas predicted a long winter; on the other hand, if it fell on a cloudy day, winter wouldn't last long. This custom was adopted by the Germans who came to settle in the United States, who made certain changes to the tradition.
The birth of Groundhog Day in Pennsylvania
In the early 19th century, a group of groundhog hunters from the local Punxsutawney Groundhog Club decided to proclaim Groundhog Day every February 2nd, coinciding with Candlemas, but using a groundhog to predict the length of winter. They named this groundhog Punxsutawney Phil.
The current celebration
Since then, this celebration has become an annual tradition in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. On this day, Phil the groundhog emerges from his hole and comes to the surface; if he sees his shadow, it means the winter will be long and last for about six more weeks, so he returns to his hole. However, if he doesn't see his shadow because it's a cloudy day, it means spring will soon arrive and the groundhog will leave hibernation.
Punxsutawney: More than an event, a grand tradition
Today, the town of Punxsutawney, known as the "Weather Capital of the World," welcomes thousands of visitors from all over the world for Groundhog Day, and a series of events take place leading up to the main event. On the day of the event, Punxsutawney Phil is shown to the public, who gather to find out whether the famous groundhog saw his shadow or not, and whether we'll have more cold days or if spring will soon arrive.
For more information about this celebration you can visit the event's official website. Home | The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club.
If you want to watch the event live, you can do so from this link Live Stream Phil's Prediction | visitPA
