Since 1887, Groundhog Day has been a beloved American celebration in which seasonal weather predictions are left in the hands of a groundhog. The superstitious observance began in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania – where Punxsutawney Phil got his name and his start as a rodent meteorologist. Club members work "to protect and perpetuate the legend of the great weather-predicting groundhog Punxsutawney Phil," according to The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club’s website. Groundhog Club co-handler Al Dereume holds Punxsutawney Phil, the weather-predicting groundhog, on Groundhog Day on Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Original article source: Groundhog Day's history, meaning and how the superstitious tradition made its way to the US

Source: Fox News February 02, 2024 11:50 UTC