Tuesday, February 2, 2010

In case you were wondering…

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. - The world's most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, emerged before chilly revelers in western Pennsylvania Tuesday to see his shadow, meaning winter will last another six weeks.

phil

According to the below article, Phil has been correct only 39% of the time.  I am going to hold onto that statistic for dear life, and plan on Spring being right around the corner.  I think I’ll head outside now and check to see if any of my Crocuses are peeking through the soggy ground.

Groundhog Day is held on Feb. 2, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania every year, and you might be wondering how a groundhog landed the job of predicting the weather. If you're unfamiliar with the tradition, it goes like this: If the groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, sees his shadow, we're stuck with six more weeks of winter. If he doesn't see his shadow, we luck out with an early spring.

The tradition dates back to 1887, and though the origins are unclear, it is said to have originated from ancient European weather lore in which a badger or sacred bear predicts the weather, rather than a groundhog. It also has religious origins, as it shares similarities with Candlemas Dayy, which is also on Feb. 2. According to an old English song, "If Candlemas be fair and bright,/ Come, Winter, have another flight."

Here are five facts you probably didn't know about Groundhog Day:

1. Punxsutawney Phil has seen his shadow 97 times, has not seen it 15 times, and nine years are unaccounted for.

2.
The National Climatic Data Center reportedly stated that Phil's prediction's have been correct 39 percent of the time. This number is in conflict with Phil's club, which states he's been right 100 percent of the time.

3. According to the funny website, groundhog.org there's a legend that during Prohibition, Phil threatened to impose 60 weeks of winter on the community if he wasn't allowed a drink.

4. In the years following the release of Groundhog Day, a 1993 film starring Bill Murray, crowds numbering as high as 30,000 have visited Gobbler's Knob, a tiny hill in Punxsutawney where the ceremony takes place.

5.
Though groundhogs typically live only six to eight years, Groundhog Day lore suggests that Phil drinks a magic elixir every summer, which gives him seven more years of life.

Information for this post came from here

12 comments:

Leah said...

I was expecting this result. Bummer! I'm ready to open up my windows and feel the warmth of sprintime. I suppose I can wait a few more weeks. :-D

Intense Guy said...

Hugs.

I hope it warms up soon (and much sooner than in 6 weeks time!)

I was think that Phil must be one really old groundhog - I'm thankful you explained it. LOL!

Toriz said...

Interesting post.

Anonymous said...

39% of the time being right hardly deserves having a day named after the crappy little rodent. Really.... I just don't get it at all. LOL

Di
The Blue Ridge Gal

AliceKay said...

I watch it live on TV every year on the Pennsylvania Cable Network. When I turned on the tv this morning at 6:30, the fireworks show was already in progress. Those people are crazy to stand out there in that cold. I hope Phil is wrong this year. I'm ready for an early spring, whether the calendar says so or not.

Janet said...

Well, I'm not surprised. But it's really beautiful here today, so maybe you're right and spring is coming soon!

Anonymous said...

Im so hoping that Spring is right around the corner as well, Im so ready to see my flower garden come to life. I have crocus' also but I moved them this year and it doesnt look like they are gonna make an appearance :o( you have a good day Punkn, HUGS

junyah said...

Can anybody really think of a better reason to stand out side in the cold,dressed in tucks and tails and top hat and take a groundhog out of his den ( a/c with TV, and what ever else) and all just to see if this guy sees his shadow, i think its a fun time and what matters if its 6 weeks or 2 ,its all in the name of fun.. That's my story and i'm sticking to it , lol JR hugs..

Teri said...

I am sooooo ready for spring, no matter what Phil says. :-)

Rita said...

I love that movie!! :):)

We never have early springs in the upper midwest. :( So I never pay any attention to groundhog day, to be honest. Meaningless up here--hehe!

LadyStyx said...

I think we got all 6 weeks worth of winter in the last couple days.... and Im lovin it!

ChicagoLady said...

I agree with Styxie, I don't think Spring is coming any time soon, lol.