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On “Groundhog Day” a marmot will find out in parts of the USA how long spring will still be coming. Groundhog Day is celebrated on February 2nd. When the animal sees its shadow, winter is said to last another 6 weeks. If not, spring will come soon.
In order to be able to predict the further course of winter, woodchucks in parts of the USA are publicly lured out of their burrows and thus taken out of hibernation. This repeatedly causes criticism from animal rights activists. When the animal “sees its shadow,” winter is said to last another six weeks.
Legend:
This is what the world famous marmot looks like.
REUTERS/Alan Freed
The tradition goes back particularly long in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The celebration has been taking place there since 1887 – so for 137 years. The marmot “Punxsutawney Phil” became known around the world especially through the film “Groundhog Day”.
Legend:
The origin of Groundhog Day goes back to German settlers. In Germany, however, badgers and not marmots were observed. It is said: “If the badger sunbathes during Candlemas week, he goes back to Loche in four weeks.”
Ondrej Prosicky
USA: Spring is coming soon
Although a few rays of sunshine were visible in the live broadcast today, “Phil” did not cast any shadows today. So the marmot predicts an early spring. It is questionable whether winter will last longer. The little rodent’s hit rate is only 37 percent.
Legend:
The signs are also pointing to spring in Switzerland.
Ursula Gugger
Switzerland: Long winter in the south, soon spring in the north
If this custom had been practiced in Switzerland today, there would be hope for an early spring in many places in the north. There hasn’t been much sun so far today. Different in the south. According to this rule, winter in Ticino should supposedly last another six weeks. At least that’s what the groundhog would predict. The best way to find out what the weather will be like in the next few days according to weather models is in our Weather report.
Meteo, 2/2/24, 12:55
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