Groundhog Day was first celebrated on February 2, 1886 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, but the legend of the groundhog’s prognosticating prowess was first established a year later. A group of devoted followers went to Gobbler’s Knob to spread word that the little rodent had special powers to determine the length of the winter.
If the furry mascot emerges from its cave only to scamper back in without spotting its shadow, we should rejoice: Winter would be ending soon. However, if the sun that morning allows the groundhog to see its shadow the winter weather will go on for an additional six weeks.
