Why We Let A Groundhog Predict The Weather
Groundhog day is a big deal to me, because it's my birthday. I'm very invested.
On February 2nd, Punxsutawney Phil is going to come out of his home and tell us if we get six more weeks of winter. It's really strange to ask a groundhog (aka a woodchuck) to predict the weather by looking for his shadow, but here we are.
The tradition comes from Germany. On an old religious holiday called “Candlemas Day,” the Germans paid attention to the badger. Candlemas Day was the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. If the badger saw its shadow, it meant a “second winter” was coming.
Punxsutawney Phil is only right about 30% of the time. Good thing he's cute.
Business Insider has the breakdown on Groundhog Day below.
h/t BroBible