Groundhog Day

On the second of February each year, we rely on some not-so-advanced technology to peer into the future and find out whether six more weeks of winter loom ominously ahead. That’s right, we’re reminiscing about Groundhog Day and our forecaster remains a respected rodent named Phil, who resides in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

The tradition, which dates back to the 18th century, received some welcome and widespread attention in 1993, thanks to the hit film, Groundhog Day. Equally philosophical and hilarious, this Harold Ramis-produced comedy starred Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell and Chris Elliot, and told the story of an unfortunate weatherman (also named Phil) who gets trapped in Punxsutawney, and is forced to live the same day over and over again.

For filmgoers, the words “Groundhog Day” are certain to bring a smile to their faces. For rural farmers and folks who live in frigid climates, those words are more likely to bring about dread, at least among the superstitious, who desperately hope that Phil will be the bearer of good news each year and save them from a month-and-a-half of blistering cold weather.

Have you ever been to Phil’s home town to celebrate the festivities in person. Do you groan each year when Phil’s forecast is bleak? Or, did you just happen to love the film mentioned above? Share all of your groundhog-related memories with us in our comments section, as we tip our hat to a quirky holiday that inspired a great movie.