6 more weeks of winter

Folklore tells a story of a groundhog and what happens if he does see his shadow or not. The groundhog will come out of his burrow on a certain day and help decide whether or not spring will come early. Cloudy weather may help the groundhog decide on a early spring as he may not see his shadow. However, if it is sunny he may very well see his shadow and go back into his den and help the groundhog decide that there will be 6 more weeks of winter. 

Groundhog History is thought to start as a German settlers during the 1700s. A traditional holiday that was celebrated was Candlemas day. Candlemas Day was a pagan celebration that occurred as a mid-point between winter solstice and spring equinox. 

If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Winter has another flight.
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Winter will not come again.

Another thought involved the Delaware Indians settling Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The groundhog was considered honorable ancestors to the Delaware's. They believed that their ancestors began life as animals in "Mother Earth" and later lived as men.

Groundhogs are also known as woodchucks and belong the same family as squirrels. In the wild groundhogs dine on green plants, dandelions, clover and other grasses. The groundhog Phil enjoys a diet of dog food and ice cream and lives in a climate controlled burrow. 

The Prediction::: 
Phil emerged from his burrow at 7:20 a.m. Upon departure of his burrow he saw his shadow Phil predicts 6 more weeks of winter.