Groundhog Day is a popular observance in many parts of the United States. Though it’s not an official holiday in the US, February 2 is a day many of us never forget.
History
The first Groundhog Day, February 2, 1887, was celebrated at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. As you know, the tradition is, if a groundhog sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather, and if the groundhog does not see its shadow we’ll see an early spring.
Groundhog Day stems from the ancient Christian tradition of Candlemas Day, where clergy blessed and distributed candles needed for winter. These candles represented how long winter would last. Germans kept this concept but selected the hedgehog as a means of predicting the weather. Once German settlers came to America, they settled in Pennsylvania and continued the tradition, but switched from hedgehogs to groundhogs.
Clymer Freas, a newspaper editor who belonged to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, named Phil, the Punxsutawney groundhog, the only true weather-forecasting groundhog.
How accurate is Punxsutawney Phil?
According to StormFax.com, Phil has been accurate only 39 percent of the time since the first Groundhog Day in 1887. The groundhog has no predictive skill, but he’s gotten a little more accurate in recent years – with an accuracy of about 46 percent since 1988.
Fun Facts
It is said that Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog, was named after King Phillip. He was called Br’er Groundhog before being named Phil.
In 1993, the movie Groundhog Day, starring comedian Bill Murray, made Phil and Groundhog Day famous worldwide. The movie gave new meaning to the term “Groundhog Day” as something that repeats itself over and over.
Today, tens of thousands of people meet on Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney every February 2 to see Phil’s prediction. The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club hosts a three day celebration which includes entertainment and activities. The Groundhog Day celebration held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania draws crowds as large as 40,000 each year.
Past Predictions
2017 – Phil saw his shadow – six more weeks of winter
2016 – No shadow – spring is near
2015 – Phil saw his shadow
2014 – Phil saw his shadow
2013 – No shadow
2012 – Phil saw his shadow
2011 – No shadow
2010 – Phil saw his shadow
Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow this year?
Last year Phil saw his shadow, meaning six more weeks of winter. If Phil sees his shadow this year, we have all the equipment you need to battle winter’s tough weather conditions. Email us, call us at 855-669-7278 or stop by one of our stores for expert advice and to purchase your equipment.
You May Also Enjoy These Articles:
6 Ways To Prepare For Winter Storms
How to Store Small Engine Equipment for Winter
Winter Chainsaw Safety: 5 Tips for Injury Prevention
Snowblower Safety: 6 Tips for Homeowners
Why Weingartz?
Weingartz, family owned and operated, began in 1945 as a farm supply store for local Michigan families. In the 1970s, we began to focus exclusively on outdoor power equipment. Over time, we morphed into the “power equipment superstore” that now defines all of our locations. The staff and experts at Weingartz work diligently to provide the best service possible and give honest and helpful advice to each and every customer.
Weingartz also sells parts for all outdoor power equipment at https://weingartz.com/parts-lookup.
Weingartz
5436 Jackson Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
(734) 239-8200
info@weingartz.com
Connect With Us!
https://www.facebook.com/WeingartzLawnToSnow
http://pinterest.com/MrWeingartz
Learn More About Winter Outdoor Power Equipment:
Sign up for electronic monthly newsletter for discounts and money-saving tips.
