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Punxsutawney Phil predicts early spring
February 2, 1997
Web posted at: 8:00 a.m. EST
PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pennsylvania (CNN) -- The chubby rodent named Phil was a harbinger of good news this morning: He didn't see his shadow.
According to tradition, if this certain esteemed groundhog sees his shadow, it means six more weeks of winter. If not, spring is on its way.
The odd custom has roots in a German superstition that if an animal casts its shadow February 2, the Christian holiday of Candlemas, it meant bad weather to come.
In the 110 years since Pennsylvania Dutch farmers began the festival in Punxsutawney, Groundhog Day has evolved into serious hoopla.
In fact, to save Phil the trouble, his prognosis is actually determined before the big day. Members of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club's Inner Circle decide whether Phil will see his shadow, rain or shine.
Weather researchers have determined that, over the years, the groundhog has been correct just 28 percent of the time, according to the dictionary Holidays, Festivals and Celebrations of the World.
Related sites:
Note: Pages will open in a new browser window- Groundhog Day (official)
- Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney, PA
- Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania: Home of the Groundhog
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