If you’re a groundhog, February 2 is a big day.
“On this day, according to tradition, people watch the behavior of a groundhog (also called a woodchuck) to find out what the weather will be like for the next six weeks. If the animal sees its shadow as it comes out of its burrow, there will be six more weeks of wintery weather. However, if it does not see its shadow, the weather will be mild and springlike,” Britannica Kids online states.
Some people at Patrick M. Villano School are hoping that warmer weather is around the corner, while others don’t mind the winter chill.
“I think Groundhog Day is a fun and unique American tradition,” Joseph Gibbs said.
Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, has a famous groundhog named Phil. According to Britannica Kids online: “Some residents claim their groundhog has never been wrong, but statistics show this is untrue. Many other places in the United States and Canada have similar traditions. Other local groundhogs include Wiarton Willie in Canada.”
This year, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow which means six more weeks of winter.
“Groundhog’s Day is such a fun day! Although we know groundhogs can’t really predict if spring will come early or if we will have six more weeks of winter, it’s a fun tradition,” Kim DellaVolpe, a fifth-grade teacher, said. “I love how it’s a celebration, with people dressing up, carrying Punxsutawney Phil out of his burrow, and declaring if he sees his shadow or not.”
February 2 also happens to be the birthday of DallaVolpe’s husband.
“He told my children this year that he would love to take them on a trip to Pennsylvania one year and see the celebration in person,” she said.
