Groundhog Day: a day of legend for many Pennsylvanians.  The ever-majestic Punxatawney Phil rises from his burrow to prophesy a forecast of unwavering accuracy, all while droves of adoring onlookers cheer for the revered rodent. A sacred time, Groundhog Day has solidified a humorous, yet charming reputation in both local and national pop culture. Though the festivities and intricate climate-predicting procedures may seem absurd to those not familiar with Phil’s legendary regard, Groundhog Day persists as a special time for many Pennsylvanians.  

However, Groundhog Day is much more than meets the eye.  Centuries of lore, culture, and intrigue litter Phil’s cozy burrow.  The February 2nd celebration only scratches the surface of Groundhog Day knowledge, with many facts and tidbits of trivia largely lost to the public.  So, in honor of the mini meteorologist’s special day, here are ten facts you never knew about Groundhog Day.

10. Biologically Based

According to Dutch superstition, groundhogs possess the extraordinary power to predict the end of winter.  Though many in modern times seem to doubt Punxatawney Phil’s weather-predicting powers, science actually suggests that the Dutch immigrants who began the tradition may have been onto something.  Groundhogs, like many North American mammals, hibernate in the winter, conserving energy and heat throughout the bitter cold. When the groundhogs eventually do emerge from their burrows, it signifies an end to winter. Hence, doubters must beware that, biologically, groundhogs are able to predict the change of seasons.

9. Foul Feast

Most holidays are centered around some sort of large meal.  Thanksgiving has a colossal banquet with turkey, potatoes, and stuffing.  The Fourth of July sees large cookouts with an array of grilled goods. Similarly, Groundhog Day celebrates by eating cooked groundhogs… at least it used to.  After the festivities at Gobbler’s Knob, many of the Punxsutawney townsfolk would retreat to their homes for a feast consisting of cooked groundhog, roasted groundhog, buttermilk-brined groundhog, and even a mysterious “groundhog punch.” Although this tradition ended a century ago,  this menu remains one of the least talked about parts of Punxsutawney Phil’s long history, and for good reason.

8. Classy Club

Because of Phil’s widespread fame, the regal rodent needs an array of officials to oversee the festivities.  Known as the “Inner Circle,” dapper dignitaries dressed in top hats and bowties preside over every aspect of Punxatawney Phil’s life.  They lead the celebration on February 2nd along with caring for Phil’s basic needs all year round.  Although the Inner Circle is organized like any other club with a president, treasurer, and secretary, many leadership positions are just as odd as the holiday itself. Titles like, “Iceman,” “Big Chill,” and “Shingle Shaker” are the official positions of some of Phil’s closest advisors.

7. Movie Myth

The 1993 blockbuster film, Groundhog Day, put Punxsutawney, PA on the map.  The Bill Murray classic gave Phil and his day the recognition they deserve.  However, what many moviegoers and Groundhog Day enthusiasts don’t know is that Groundhog Day was primarily filmed in Woodstock, Illinois — the first few scenes of the film were shot in Pittsburgh, but no scene was shot in Punxsutawney.  Woodstock is only fifty miles away from Murray’s home town, and it celebrates the film with a plaque on the iconic sidewalk.

6. Deliberate Date

February 2nd may seem like any ordinary winter day–besides the Groundhog themed festivities, of course.  Nevertheless, what most do not realize is that February 2nd holds a special place in the world of changing seasons.  Known as a “cross-quarter day,” it serves as the supposed midpoint between two seasons — in the case of Groundhog Day, winter and spring.  At the center point of the winter solstice and spring equinox, it’s no surprise that weather-predicting traces its roots back to this specific day. 

5. Weird Whistling

Phyliss, Punxatawney Phil’s beloved wife, has been an established aspect of Groundhog Day lore for some time.  Though she lacks the immortality and omnipotent wisdom of her husband, she is beloved by the inner circle, including Phil himself, of course.  However, the method by which Phil attracted his wife has been deliberately left out of the history books. Known as “whistle pigs,” groundhogs hold a reputation for catcalling their mates.  This odd and uncomfortable tradition is exclusive to groundhog culture and luckily has not been implemented into Groundhog Day.

4. Groggy Groundhog

Groundhogs have always been textbook hibernators, going into a state of deep coma during the coldest parts of winter.  Although, as any avid Groundhog Day enjoyer may know, Phil is no typical vermin. In a dimly lit and well-heated enclosure, Phil and Phyliss remain in a state of drowsy stupor throughout the entirety of winter. This sacrifice of sleep allows Phil to partake in his annual festivities, but he still lives a comfortable life throughout the year.

3. Titanic Title

It’s common knowledge that the Groundhog Day mascot is aptly titled “Punxsutawney Phil.”  However, the already lengthy label actually serves as a nickname.  Phil’s full name is, “Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Prognosticators, and Weather Prophet Extraordinaire.” If his name doesn’t give it away, Phil is one well-revered rodent. 

2. Sufficient Celebration

The morning of February 2nd is by far the most celebrated part of Phil’s yearly prognostication.  His legendary fanfare, glorious entrance, and limelight fit for a king solidify the ceremony as the holiday’s highlight.  That being said, Punxsutawney has been known to go all out when praising their prophetic prince.  The town celebrates Groundhog Day for three whole days rather than just one morning.  Races, games, cookoffs, and other carnival like activities invade the town for an unforgettable occurrence.  The entire ordeal is orchestrated by none other than Phil’s inner circle. 

1. Eternal Extraordinaire

Just as skeptics doubt the idea of Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny, many seem to question Punxatawney Phil’s immortality. As the inner circle has stated, Phil is 137 years old thanks to his mythical “Groundhog Punch.”  While domesticated groundhogs may only live up to 13 years in captivity, Phil has lived over ten times that lifespan. In fact, Phil has even surpassed the limits of human age by 15 years. Any idea of replacing Phil with younger groundhogs is simply preposterous and should be seen as blasphemy.

While it may not reach the same audiences or fame as holidays like Christmas or Halloween, Groundhog Day continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many faithful followers of Phil. As absurd or juvenile as it may seem, Groundhog Day is, at its core, a celebration of nature, changing times, and setting aside differences to imagine a more whimsical world. Whether he predicts six more weeks of winter or an early spring, Phil and his inner circle of dedicated handlers will continue to make history by bringing people together to worship one wonderful woodchuck.

Oh, and by the way, earlier this morning, Phil did not see his shadow. Bring on spring!