What is so special about Feburary 2 every year?  Why is it called the Groundhog Day? 

This North American festival has a famous folklore attached to it. This time of the year the groundhog ends its hibernation and comes out from his burrow. It is believed that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on a cloudy day, then spring will come early; if a groundhog comes out on a sunny day and sees its shadow then the winter will continue for six more weeks.

The town of Punxsatawney, Pennsylvania, holds a grand celebration for the Groundhog Day. A groundhog named Punxsatawney Phil is the main attraction and has gained popularity. Since the mid-1800’s people have been using this as an accurate method of weather prediction.

Let us see what Phil predicts this year.

Did you Know?

• Groundhogs are also known as woodchuck, or whistle-pig or in some areas land-beaver.
• Groundhogs usually live for just 9-14 years.
• When a famous Groundhog dies, like for example the Potomac Phil of Washington DC (he was also great at predicting winter or spring) its skin is stuffed and mounted for life-like display so kids can catch a glimpse every year on Groundhog Day.