The cold and snow could soon be coming to an end, at least according to the region’s fluffiest weather forecaster.
Groundhog Forecast Punxsutawney Phil failed to see his shadow when he was abruptly awakened from his sleep at Gobbler’s Knob in western Pennsylvania early Friday morning.
If he had seen it, it would have meant six more weeks of winter, according to the world-famous 132-year-old tradition.
Still, don’t bring out the swimsuits just yet: Phil has only been right about 40% of the time in the last 100 years.
In fact, over the past decade, the aspiring meteorologist has only been right three times: in 2014, 2016 and 2020, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information.
However, Phil’s inaccurate predictions have not deterred loyal fans from gathering at Gobbler’s Knob each year, with over 20,000 people gathering annually to catch a glimpse of the furry forecaster.
Punxsutawney Phil, seen here on a previous Groundhog Day, failed to see his shadow, meaning an early spring is on the way. AP
The annual ritual dates back to 1887, according to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club.
It has its origins in the Candlemas holiday on February 2 in Europe, where Christians brought candles to a church to be blessed.
An English folk song declared that winter would have “another flight” if conditions during Candlemas were good and bright.
Phil was awakened from his winter slumber for the annual ceremony at Gobbler’s Knob. AP
The interpretation of the holiday song was accepted in most of Europe until it reached Germany, where a hedgehog became part of the tradition, and a “second winter” was expected if the animal saw its shadow in Candlemas. .
“As German settlers arrived in what is now the United States, so did their traditions and folklore,” Punxsutawney organizers said on their website. “Given the absence of hedgehogs in the United States, a similar animal was chosen for hibernation.”
The Groundhog Day tradition has its roots in German folklore. AP Groundhog Day event dates back to 1887 Getty Images
A mention of Groundhog Day first appeared in a local Punxsutawney newspaper in 1886. The following year marked the first official event at Gobbler’s Knob, organizers said.
Now, more than 20,000 admirers gather at the site each year to catch a glimpse of the Extraordinary Prophet of Time as he makes his annual prediction.
“Today, Groundhog Day remains what it was when the tradition first arrived on our shores and came to Punxsutawney,” the group’s website reads. “A day to take everything a little less seriously and break the winter monotony… at least for a while!”’
Thousands of people flocked to see how soon spring will come. Getty Images Phil’s big prediction draws about 20,000 people to Punxsutawney each year, as seen here last year. REUTERS
But Phil and New York’s own Staten Island Chuck aren’t the only critters predicting the forecast this year.
In Oregon, zoo officials went back to the holiday’s roots and used a hedgehog, while Texas residents follow weather advice from Bob the Armadillo.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn