(CNN) — Every year, Americans in snow-prone states wait with baited breath. See if the groundhog is Punxsutawney Phil Finds his shadow. Every year, we at Phil take on the groundhog weather forecast: six more weeks of winter or early spring? His forecast is like a gospel, that's how meteorology works!
How did Groundhog Day go from a quaint local tradition to an annual celebration where even those who don't care about winter can have fun?
Here are some facts you should know about Groundhog Day.
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February 2nd is Groundhog Day.
The groundhog wakes up from hibernation on February 2.
If you see the groundhog's shadow when it comes out of its burrow, it will be six weeks of winter.
In 1973, Punxsutawney Phil delighted audiences with his charm, and disappointed them by predicting six weeks of winter. (Credit: Bettmann Archive/Getty Images)
If you don't see your shadow, spring will come soon.
This tradition began as Candlemas Day in Europe. German settlers in Pennsylvania brought the custom to America in the 1700s.
Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Phil is the most famous, but a dozen states celebrate with their own groundhogs, such as Georgia's General Beauregard Lee and Ohio's Buckeye Chuck.
Punxsutawney Phil – In Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania
His full name is “Punxsutawney Phil, seer of seers, sage of sages, forecaster of forecasters and weather prophet extraordinaire.”
February 2, 1886 – The Punxsutawney Spirit newspaper proclaims this date as Pennsylvania's first official Groundhog Day celebration.
According to his owners, Bill has 100% correctly predicted the onset of spring. However, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, porpoises have shown “no predictive ability” in recent years.
1986 – Bill travels to Washington, D.C. to meet with President Reagan.
1993 – Columbia Pictures releases “Time Spell” starring Bill Murray.
In the years since the film's release, 30,000 people have visited Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney.
Nineteen Ninety Five – Phil appears on the Oprah Winfrey show.
January 27, 2010 – Animal rights group PETA recommends replacing Punxsutawney Phil with a robot groundhog.
February 2, 2010 – For the first time, fans can sign up to receive a text message alert on Phil's prediction.
February 28, 2020 – People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is asking Punxsutawney Phil's caretakers to let him retire and replace him with an animatronic groundhog.
Editor's note: This text was originally published in 2020 and updated in 2024.
