cnn
—
Here's a look at Groundhog Day, an American tradition that aims to predict when spring will arrive.
February 2, 2023 – For the third year in a row, Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow on Groundhog Day, predicting six more weeks of winter.
February 2, 2022 – Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow and predicts six more weeks of winter.
The groundhog comes out of its burrow on February 2.
If the groundhog sees its shadow when it emerges, there will be six more weeks of winter.
If you don't see your shadow, spring will come soon.
This tradition began in Europe as Candlemas Day. Germans who settled in Pennsylvania in the 18th century brought the custom to the United States.
Punxsutawney Phil of Pennsylvania is the best known, but more than a dozen states celebrate with their own groundhogs, such as General Beauregard Lee of Georgia and Buckeye Chuck in Ohio.
His full name is “Punxsutawney Phil, seer of seers, sage of wise men, forecaster of forecasters and prophet of extraordinary times.”
February 2, 1886 – The Punxsutawney Spirit newspaper proclaims this date as the first official Groundhog Day celebration in Pennsylvania.
Phil has correctly predicted the beginning of spring 100% of the time, according to his owners. However, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the groundhog's record is not perfect.
1986 – Phil travels to Washington, DC to meet with President Ronald Reagan.
1993 – Columbia Pictures releases the film “Groundhog Day,” starring Bill Murray. In the years following the film's release, crowds of up to 30,000 people visited Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney.
nineteen ninety five – Phil appears on the Oprah Winfrey show.
January 27, 2010 – Animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals suggests using a robotic groundhog instead of Punxsutawney Phil.
February 2, 2010 – For the first time, fans can sign up to receive a text message alert about Phil's prediction.
January 28, 2020 – PETA is once again asking Punxsutawney Phil's guardians to allow him to retire and be replaced by an animatronic groundhog.
