You’ve probably heard the story…
Every year on February 2nd in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil comes out of his burrow.
If he sees his shadow, there will be 6 more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t, there will be an early spring!
Hundreds gather at Gobbler's Knob for the forecast and celebration.
But do you know how the legend got started?
German settlers arrived to Pennsylvania in the 1880s, bringing with them the legend of Candlemas Day, the Christian festival of lights.
Back in Germany, a hedgehog was used as a weather forecaster. If the hedgehog saw his shadow at Candlemas, he would crawl back into his hole for 6 weeks.
But, groundhogs were smart and plentiful in Pennsylvania when the settlers arrived, so they were chosen to carry on the tradition.
Watch the video above to learn more!
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