Groundhog Day 2023: Punxsutawney Phil Sees His Shadow, Predicts 6 More Weeks of Winter
On February 2, 2023, Groundhog Day was celebrated with the rise of Punxsutawney Phil from his burrow in western Pennsylvania. The famous groundhog saw his shadow and predicted six more weeks of winter (Fox News).
Groundhog Day, observed on February 2 every year, is not a federal holiday, meaning that banks, mail services, schools, and other daily activities remain open (Cincinnati). However, the tradition of using a groundhog to predict the arrival of spring or the continuation of winter dates back to the early days of Christianity in Europe (People).
Punxsutawney Phil, Pennsylvania's most famous groundhog, made his prediction on a cold Thursday morning (CBS News). If the groundhog doesn't see his shadow due to cloudy weather, then spring will come early (USA Today).
But how accurate are Punxsutawney Phil's predictions? According to The Wall Street Journal, the groundhog's predictions have only been right 39% of the time.
Despite this, the tradition continues to be celebrated annually.
Groundhog Day was also celebrated in other states, such as New Jersey where Lady Edwina of Essex County, a resident groundhog at the Turtle Back Zoo, made a return appearance (NJ.com).
The Groundhog Day ceremony, including Punxsutawney Phil's prediction, was livestreamed for those unable to attend in person (Newsweek).
FAQ
When is Groundhog Day?
Groundhog Day is observed on February 2 every year (CalendarDate).Is Groundhog Day a federal holiday?
No, Groundhog Day is not a federal holiday (Cincinnati).How accurate are Punxsutawney Phil's predictions?
According to The Wall Street Journal, Punxsutawney Phil's predictions have only been right 39% of the time.Where is Groundhog Day celebrated?
Groundhog Day is celebrated in various states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey (Fox News, NJ.com).Can the Groundhog Day ceremony be watched online?
Yes, the Groundhog Day ceremony, including Punxsutawney Phil's prediction, was livestreamed for those unable to attend in person (Newsweek).References
"Groundhog Day 2023: Punxsutawney Phil Sees His Shadow, Predicts 6 More Weeks of Winter." Fox News, Fox News, 2 Feb. 2023, https://www.foxnews.com/us/groundhog-day-2023-punxsutawney-phil-sees-his-shadow-predicts-6-more-weeks-winter."Groundhog Day 2023: What to Know About Winter Tradition, Punxsutawney Phil." Cincinnati, Cincinnati, 1 Feb. 2023, https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2023/02/01/when-is-groundhog-day-2023-what-to-know-about-winter-tradition-punxsutawney-phil/69856153007/.
"Groundhog Day 2023: Punxsutawney Phil Prediction." CBS News, CBS News, 2 Feb. 2023, https://