Every February 2, the “faithful followers of Phil” gather before dawn in Gobbler’s Knob, Punxsutawney, PA, to see whether Punxsutawney Phil (who has been predicting whether winter is over since 1887) will see his shadow when he climbs from his burrow.

If Phil sees his shadow: Six more weeks of winter.

If not: An early spring.

Punxsutawney Phil’s accuracy rate is about 39% overall, and it drops to around 36% when compared to actual weather outcomes since 1969. That’s not exactly an excellent track record. It means he is less reliable than flipping a coin for predictions.

But it’s fun for the Groundhog Festival in Punxsutawney.

The history of Groundhog Day is interesting, too, with Celtic and Christian roots.

Originally, a Celtic festival called Imbolc—a term from Old Irish that is most often translated as “in the belly”—a reference to the soon-to-arrive lambs of spring. Imbolc is the year’s first cross-quarter day, or a midpoint between seasons.

The Christian festival of light, Candlemas, is also observed at this time of year. The name comes from the candles lit in churches on February 2 to celebrate the Presentation of the Christ Child in the Temple in Jerusalem.

And predicted the weather:

If Candlemas be fair and bright,

Come, Winter, have another flight;

If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,

Go Winter, and come not again.

Animals have always clued farmers in about the change of seasons. A bear brought the forecast of Spring and Winter to the people of France and England.

Germans looked to a badger for a sign. Finding no badgers in Pennsylvania for Candlemas, only woodchucks, whistle pigs, or groundhogs, the German immigrants adapted groundhogs to fit the lore. Which then evolved into the Punxsutawney Phil tradition. All eyes turn to Punxsutawney Phil on every February 2nd.

Sadly, the prediction this year is that Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow, and we’ll have six more weeks of winter. The news will not be well received by most of the U.S., considering the extreme cold that has blanketed so much of the country this winter.

It’s time to remember all the good things about winter –
• snowmen
• hot cocoa
• warm blankets
• and curling up by the fire with an enjoyable book.

If you’re unsure what to read, you’ll find some great suggestions here on my Amazon author page. All my books will warm your heart and make you forget about the weather outside.

Stay Warm and Happy Reading!