Punxsutawney Phil, the most well known of the groundhogs, has made his February 2, 2009 Groundhog Day prediction.  See video here.   According to the tiny forecaster there will be six more weeks of cold weather. Story below after the jump.

After casting a joyful eye towards thousands of his faithful followers, Phil proclaimed that his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers were world champions one more time,” said the announcer at the annual event, as Punxsutawney Phil — the most famous groundhog in the world — gazed out at the cheering crowd.

”And as he looked, ‘a bright sky above me showed my shadow beside me. So six more weeks of winter it will be.’ Oh, woe is us. Woe is us!” [Source: Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil proclaims Super Bowl victory, plus more winter

The 1993 movie, Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murray is what made Punxsutawney Phil, of the town by the same name in Pennsylvania, the most well known of the groundhogs participating in the tradition. The celebrations in date back to February 2, 1887   The tradition we call Groundhog day goes back to ancient times across numerous cultures, as people celebrated the date because it is midway between the beginning of winter and spring.   The day became a festival day, Candlemas, with candles lit to celebrate the day.  In Catholic church tradition, it became a festival to honor Jesus Christ.

People living many years ago also used that day to predict the weather. Tradition said that if Feb. 2 was sunny, it meant winter would last for six more weeks. If it was cloudy, winter was said to be nearly over.

Now take those traditions and add this: Farmers used to look for the reappearance of hibernating animals to tell them when spring had arrived. Early American settlers relied on the groundhog.

Source: Ever Wondered whether groundhogs can predict the weather?

YouTube Video Link

Related post:

• Video: Groundhog Day 2008, Punxsutawney Phil Predicts More Winter Weather

Punxsutawney Phil Video: Groundhog Day 2009