Happy Sunday !
It's the last day of January and we are anxiously looking forward to the most exciting holiday in February: Groundhog Day! For 134 years, a furry forecaster named Punxsutawney Phil has emerged every February second, near Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to predict the upcoming seasonal change. In case you, like Producer Jessica, just can't wait for the rotund rodent to reveal himself, here are some facts about Groundhog Day.
This year, Punxsutawney Phil will be emerging mid-pandemic. According to event organizers, Phil will be wearing a mask and respecting social distancing guidelines, so unfortunately, spectators will not be allowed.
Gobbler's Knob
Each year, Punxautawney Phil emerges from his stump on Gobbler's Knob, surrounded by his caretakers--a group of top-hatted gentlemen known as the Inner Circle. Phil whispers his prediction to the current club president in Groundhogese and the president translates for the waiting crowd. According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring.
Groundhog Punch
According to his Inner Circle, there has only been one Punxsutawney Phil since 1886. Phil is fed "groundhog punch" at a celebration each summer to keep him youthful. Each sip of this "elixir of life" is said to give him 7 more years. [Wild groundhogs usually live about 6 years.]
Foundations and Fakers
Modern Groundhog day has its roots in older European celebrations of Candlemas. Throughout Europe, different animals such as badgers, hedgehogs and bears emerged in the early spring surrounded by lore.
"Sonnt sich der Dachs in der Lichtmeßwoche, so geht er auf vier Wochen wieder zu Loche" (If the badger sunbathes during Candlemas-week, for four more weeks he will be back in his hole) --As noted on historic German calendars.
These days, Phil claims to be the only weather forecasting groundhog. However, the rivalry is heated. Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, home of Jimmy the Groundhog, claims to be "The Groundhog Capital of the World." This is apparently in response to a 1952 Punxsutawney newspaper article describing Sun Prairie as a "remote two cow village buried somewhere in the wilderness..."
Other pretenders include: Milltown Mel, Buckeye Chuck, Staten Island Chuck, Dunkirk Dave, Potomac Phil, Sir Walter Wally, and General Beauregard Lee.
Fast Facts
- PETA has suggested replacing Phil with a robot groundhog.
- Phil got his name in 1961 and is rumored to be named after Prince Philip
- The Inner Circle claims Phil has been correct 100% of the time.
- According to more scientific weather experts, Phil is correct 35-40% of the time.
- Phil has a wife named Phyliss, but no children
But before we can start our Groundhog Day festivities, we've got a quiz to run! We hope to see you tomorrow for our livestream at 8:00pm GMT.
Have a great week!
MJ and Jessica
TriviaMystery.com
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