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PHIL... the groundhog~

The morning of February 2nd in year 2000, the most famous groundhog, Phil in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, saw his shadow. According to tradition, if Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of bad, winter weather. But he doesn't see his shadow, it means that the spring is around the corner.

The German started to believe first. Later, it was brought to the United States in the 18th century. Soon, the groundhog became their weather predictor.The groundhog comes out of hibernation in February. Scientists say, if they have come out, they will not go back eventhough the bad weather.

Groundhog Day is also called Candlemas Day in European Christian festival. Some say Groundhog Day is to interrupt the long winters. Now, in each February, there are more than 35,000 people travel to Punxsutawney.

 

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more on : National Geographic Online