February 2nd: Is It Early Spring Or Late Winter

On February 2nd, a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil comes our his burrow to let America and Canada if we will have an early Spring or late Winter. If he sees his shadow, then we are to have a longer winter. However, this year of 2019, he did not see his shadow which means we will have an early Spring. Our area has seen very frigid temperatures due to the northern vortex. Therefore, it will be wonderful to feel milder temperatures.
Here is some facts about Groundhog's Day.
1. Groundhog Phil is set to come out his den around 7:25 a.m. This year will mark his 133rd time coming out of his burrow.
2. Groundhog's Day didn't always involve groundhogs. The roots can be traced back to a Christian holiday called Candlemas Day. Members of the clergy would bless and distribute candles needed to put people through the remaining winter days. Tradition then was if Candlemas Day was sunny and clear then winter drag on but if the weather was cloudy then spring would come soon.
3. Punxsutawney Phil was an actual person. Him and his wife", Phyllis lived together which they hibernate through the winter together and get enough light and heat to keep them awake for Groundhog's Day.
4. Groundhog's day first came to Pennsylvania and it was a social party. Problem was instead of the groundhog being the honoree, it was the entrée.
5. Festivities for the celebration at Gobbler's Knobb starts at 3 a.m. which includes singing, dancing, bonfires and fireworks.
6. There is an "inner circle" in which is a club responsible for planning the year's event. The same club fuels the legend that Punxsutawney Phil is immortal. He drinks an elixir that increases his lifespan, helps him focus, and stay strong.
7. A movie which starred Bill Murray in 1983 helped boost recognition of the holiday.
As cold as temperatures have been within our area, warmer temperatures would be welcoming.