Mishall RehmanWith frigid temperatures sweeping much of Canada and the U.S., even in the deep south, this winter, it’s no surprise that both Pennsylvania’s Punxsutawney Phil and Ontario’s Wiarton Willie have predicted six more weeks of winter.
According to tradition, if a groundhog sees his shadow on Feb. 2, Ground Hog Day, it will scurry back to its burrow, meaning six more weeks of winter. If it doesn’t, then it means an early spring is on the horizon.
The tradition can be traced back to Europe where it was known as Candlemas Day, an early Christian holiday involving candles. It was brought to the new world by German settlers, primarily in Pennsylvania, in the 1700s.
That’s why Pennsylvania’s Punxsutawney Phil is one of the most famous Ground Hog Day predictors, and many are sure to go by his prediction, especially with Wiarton Willie agreeing.
“Well, for those hoping for six more weeks of winter…you’ve got your wish. I saw my shadow,” said Wiarton Willie’s official Twitter account.
Winnipeg Wyn also predicted six more weeks of winter.
However, if you live on the East Coast, you can breath a sigh of relief as Nova Scotia’s Shubenacadie Sam didn’t see his shadow, meaning an early spring.
Along with Shubenacadie Sam, Manitoba Merv and Alberta’s Balza Billy have predicted an early spring.
