How to Interpret the Groundhog Day Results

The town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania has been celebrating Groundhog Day since 1886. Each year Punxsutawney Phil peeks out of his burrow, and everyone watches to see if Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow or not. The weather forecast for the next six weeks is based on how we interpret these results on Groundhog Day.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. On February 2 of each year, the groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, comes out of his burrow, which is located on Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. This is where the official Groundhog Club president will interpret the results of the groundhog’s actions.

2. According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather.

3. On the other hand, if the groundhog does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring.

4. After Phil the Groundhog emerges from his burrow, he speaks to the Groundhog Club president in "Groundhogese". Groundhogese is a language only understood by the current president of the Inner Circle.

5. The president is the one who has the authority to listen to the groundhog’s statement, and is required to interpret the results of the day. Phil’s proclamation is then translated for the world, and we then know if there will be six more weeks of winter, or an early spring.

Resources

• The Official Website of Punxsutawaney Groundhog Club