How much do you know about Groundhog Day?
The February 2 celebration, which involves a weather-predicting woodchuck, dates back to the late 19th century, with other mid-winter weather holidays dating back hundreds of years before that.
On Groundhog Day, a groundhog in the small town of Punxsutawney emerges in the morning to a throng of onlookers. If he spots his shadow and returns to his hole, it means winter will last six more weeks. If the groundhog does not see his shadow, an early spring is sure to come.
Not to be outdone, many other towns now have their own woodchuck weathermen.
Punxsutawney Phil is the original star of Groundhog Day, however. He first predicted the weather 126 years ago and has had about 39 percent accuracy ever since. Click here to see the see the groundhog's predictions from the past 10 years.
Below, check out 10 interesting and little-known facts about Groundhog Day, groundhogs and even the movie "Groundhog Day."
02/02/2012 6:43 PM EST
We'll See You Next Year Phil...
| @ KenJennings : Wouldn't it be great if we could keep the spirit of Groundhog Day in our hearts all year round? |
02/02/2012 6:32 PM EST
Groundhogs And Aliens
| @ Seth__Rogen : I'd like to be the one to explain Groundhogs Day to the aliens when they come. "See, if the groundhog sees its sha--just kill us. Its okay." |
02/02/2012 4:30 PM EST
Hungry?
| @ FoodNetwork : This Groundhog's Day menu will keep you warm for 6 more weeks of winter: http://t.co/nLgQxM9E. |
02/02/2012 3:20 PM EST
Watch "Groundhog Day" On Groundhog Day For Free! (With Commercials)
| @ YouTube : Is there anything better than watching "Groundhog Day" on Groundhog Day? Watch the full video for free: http://t.co/Yywvkxjq |
02/02/2012 2:16 PM EST
A Different Prediction
Punxsutawney Phil rival Woodstock Willie also made a prediction today, but his forecast differs from Phil's. Willie, who is from Woodstock, Illinois, didn't see his shadow, delighting midwesterners with the promise of an early spring.
02/02/2012 1:15 PM EST
Conan's Groundhog Day Observation
| @ ConanOBrien : I like the name "Groundhog Day" much better than the original "Pull Out The Dirt Rat Time." |
02/02/2012 11:58 AM EST
Will He Be Right?
Staten Island Chuck (aka Charles C. Hogg), New York City's answer to Punxsutawney Phil, did not see his shadow this morning and "predicted" an early spring.
He also predicted a New York Giants win at this Sunday's Super Bowl XLVI. Many New Yorkers are hoping that Chuck is right.
02/02/2012 11:14 AM EST
Neil deGrasse Tyson's Take On Groundhog Day
| @ neiltyson : Groundhog Day: Evidence that Weather Forecasters still haven't convinced people that they know what they're talking about. |
02/02/2012 10:33 AM EST
Punxsutawney Phil's Full Name Is A Mouthful
Did you know that the most famous groundhog weather predictor's full name is: "Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Prognosticators and Weather Prophet Extraordinaire?"
02/02/2012 9:57 AM EST
NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg Tweets From Staten Island
| @ MikeBloomberg : Great news from Staten Island Chuck: Spring will come early this year! #groundhogday http://t.co/JBAmmta5 |
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