By Lilly Wadewtiz
Every year on February 2nd, people across the United States and Canada turn their eyes to a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil. According to legend, if Phil emerges from his burrow and sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow, spring is just around the corner.
The tradition has roots in ancient agricultural practices, when animals were used to predict the arrival of spring. Groundhog Day, as it is known today, officially began in 1887 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Whether hoping for an early spring or enjoying the last weeks of winter, Groundhog Day is a fun way to mark the changing seasons.
This year, Phil saw his shadow, signaling six more weeks of winter. Many students were not thrilled about the news, so a survey was conducted among ACJHS students to see what they thought.
The first question asked was, “Do you believe the groundhog?” In the results, red represented “No,” blue was “Yes,” and green allowed students to add their own comments. Freshman Vivian Riblett said that it seemed right this time, but she did not believe it was anything more than a coincidence.
The next question asked, “How do you feel about the groundhog seeing its shadow?” Most students had similar opinions. Freshman Brayden Friend said he thought it was all nonsense, noting that Fox 4 had reported Phil is only right 30 percent of the time. Sophomore Paisley Clinton shared her own method for predicting spring, explaining that she did not need to pay attention to the groundhog because her horses indicate the change in seasons by losing their winter coats, which had not yet begun. Senior Kris Holloway joked that he was ready to overthrow the groundhog’s power.
Whether students trust Phil or rely on their own signs of spring, Groundhog Day remains a fun way to break up winter and start thinking about warmer days ahead.
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