Groundhog Day 2011: Punxsutawney Phil predicts early spring, but do you believe him?

FROM THE EXPRESS TIMES

Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow this morning which means that we will be looking forward to an early spring this year.

Right?

This is the 125th anniversary of the tradition which, according to National Geographic, entails the Groundhog's Inner Circle conversing with the beast and conveying his wise words to the world.

Huh?

But this doesn't mean that this elite group has any prior knowledge of the prediction.

The official website of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club says, "Phil's forecasts are not made in advance by the Inner Circle. After Phil emerges from his burrow on February 2, he speaks to the Groundhog Club president in 'Groundhogese' (a language only understood by the current president of the Inner Circle). His proclamation is then translated for the world."

Here are some other fun "facts" about the longstanding tradition (from the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club site):

* A groundhog's life span is normally 6 to 8 years. Phil receives a drink of a magical punch every summer during the annual Groundhog Picnic, which gives him 7 more years of life.

* The origins of the tradition find their way from ancient beliefs about Candlemas Day. Early Christians believed that if Candlemas Day was bright and clear, Winter was just gearing up for another bout. The Germans are the culture that introduced an animal into the mix - using the hedgehog to predict Winter's end. This belief was carried on by early German settlers, who found the groundhog to be a suitable substitute for the hedgehog, due to its number and relative intelligence.

* The lore has it that Punxsutawney Phil was named after King Phillip. Prior to being called Phil, he was called Br'er Groundhog.

* The average groundhog is 20 inches long and normally weighs from 12 to 15 pounds. Punxsutawney Phil weighs about 20 pounds and is 22 inches long.

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/breaking-news/index.ssf/2011/02/groundhog_day_2011_punxsutawne_1.html