Rory Szwed, left, and Kent Rowan watch the festivities while waiting for Punxsutawney Phil, the weather prognosticating groundhog, to come out and make his prediction during the the 137th celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa., Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023. A special group known as the Inner Circle" takes care of Phil year-round. These lights also ensure Phil is ready to report for duty on February 2nd. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved, Punxsutawney Groundhog Club's Inner Circle. This is Punxsutawney Phil's ex-wife, Phyllis, who now lives in Florida and said that Phil is a compulsive liar. Phil resides in a manufactured burrow at a local roadside zoo in Punxsutawney with his wife, Phyliss. This suspension of disbelief extends to the assertion that the same groundhog has been making predictions since the 19th century. Pretty cool, huh Luke? ?Spain is cool and it will alwats be cool. While Phil doesn't go into a deep sleep like his outdoor pals, the groundhog does begin to slow down on eating and activities as the days get shorter. Mili Risal DATE: Amazingly, Phil does all his weather forecasting without ever saying a word. Punxsutawney Phil the Groundhog's rarely seen ex-wife confessed he was a pathological liar. His shelter has been installed with a viewing window, so his adoring fans can visit him at his home every day of the year. We wonder if Phil's wife Phyllis drinks the punch too! Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/26/2023). Warm or cold? All he has to do is step outside! A true professional, the actor told The Philadelphia Inquirer in 1993. There are many low-cost stock photography sources available on the web, however, and were sure you can find a high-quality image for your purposes with little trouble (or expense). Yes, her name is Phyliss. So, did she have an affair? Thanks for joining the discussion! what is a groundhog? I like this article and I will continue using this site. Phil emerges from his temporary house on Gobbler's Knob, some 2 miles (3 kilometers) southeast of town, during the ceremony, which begins well before the winter daybreak. [1] If Phil does not see his shadow, he has predicted an "early spring. Can You wonderopolis tell me more of groundhog day? I thought of a question to! His shelter has been installed with a viewing window, so his adoring fans can visit him at his home every day of the year. On Tuesday, Punxsutawney Phil will emerge from a little enclosure under an outdoor stump in the Pennsylvania town that bears his name to let us know if he sees his shadow, which will doom us to six more weeks of winter. Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog forecaster, made headlines on February 2nd, 2023, when he emerged from his burrow and predicted six more weeks of winter after spotting his shadow.This event sparked not only attention on Phil's predictions but also on his wife, Phyliss. Punxsutawney Phil, Pennsylvania's most famous groundhog, awoke this morning to see his shadow which means that -- according to legend -- there will be six more weeks of winter. We had many aha moments. Very neat. The popularity of the film Groundhog Day brought significantly more attention to the event, with annual crowds rising to 10,00020,000. Phil has had many wives. We're THRILLED you stopped by to celebrate Groundhog Day with us! (Punxsutawney Phil, not exactly svelte, weighs about 12 pounds, or 5.4 kg.). ? Fans suspected Bianca of cheating on Tate when they were together. We are so glad that you enjoyed this Wonder! We also thought it was interesting that Groundhogs were called Whistle Pigs. We also thought it was interesting that it started in Germany. :), We're THRILLED you liked this Wonder, Bob! Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, typically go into hibernation in late fall, when they notice weather getting colder and daylight hours getting shorter. [6] It is claimed that this one groundhog has lived to make weather prognostications since 1886, sustained by drinks of "groundhog punch" or "elixir of life" administered at the annual Groundhog Picnic in the fall. :), Do you think Phil knows people watch him when he looks for his shadow, Alex? WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Have fun WONDERing! Place it on the overhead projector, so that its shadow is cast onto a screen at the front of the room. As some of Pennsylvania's earliest settlers were German, they continued the tradition upon noticing a large population of groundhogs, which resemble the European hedgehog. The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club's Inner Circle doesn't just hold fast to Phil's meds and administer them to their beloved groundhog; they also take care of Phil for the entire year, plan each year's big ceremony in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, and sport some truly styling top hats and tuxedos at each ceremony. Based on your research, do you think a groundhog makes a good forecaster? Legend attributes his long life to drinking "the elixir of life," which he claims is made using a secret recipe known only to club members. We WONDER if he gets groundhog stage fright! Here's a closer look at the rodent we trust for weather prognostication. Hes treated like royalty and is very well-behaved. Hi, Alyssa! Keep WONDERing, Wonder Friend! Why is he so important to Groundhog Day, and is he really over 100 years old? Can't wait for tomorrow! Shanti Ryle is a content marketer with nearly a decade's experience writing about science, real estate, business, and culture. :). I learned that when the groundhog sees his shadow we have six more weeks of winter. According to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club website, Phil lives in a manmade burrow at a roadside zoo located in Punxsutawney, Penn. Phil lives in that library with his wife, Phyllis. How do we know Phil? :), Yes it is! "Phil is such an important marmot that humans built his lodgings. the Wonder of the Day via email or SMS. Draw Add Image Spacing Upload new template Popular My Punxsutawney Phil's Ex Wife Blank View All Meme Templates (1,000s more.) Groundhog Day's origins lie in an ancient European celebration of Candlemas. dvelopper et amliorer nos produits et services. Punxsutawney Phil is quite the celebrity on Feb. 2, but during the rest of the year, he fulfills his job as being an attraction for locals. Anyway, back to the weather forecaster! Thanks for WONDERing with us! Thanks for stopping by Wonderopolis! Log Show more. Dont miss our special deals, gifts and promotions. I'm doing a social media post for a client. Thanks for visiting WONDERopolis! Beginning on February 2, keep a family weather journal for six weeks to see if Phil's prediction is accurate. In the early hours of the morning every Groundhog Day, which is always Feb. 2, the members of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club gather in a village called Gobbler's Knob, located in the small town of Punxsutawney, Penn. that transmitted by tradition, oral means, or obscure writings, the use of radio waves to track the location, distance, and speed of faraway objects, a formal event performed on a special occasion, a hole made by an animal, usually for shelter, restate (words) from one language into another language. Si vous souhaitez personnaliser vos choix, cliquez sur Grer les paramtres de confidentialit. They can live up to 14 years in captivity. If no shadow is seen, legend says, spring will come early. "He's pretty darn accurate," said Deeley, who is now president of the Groundhog Club's Inner Circle. While Phil has an extended lifespan, his wives do not partake in the elixir so they pass away like. [18], The Inner Circle, in keeping with the suspension of disbelief, claims a 100% accuracy rate, and an approximately 80% accuracy rate in recorded predictions. Several other towns in the region hold similar Groundhog Day events. "Phil has been sharing his predictions with the world for more than 120 years. Governor Rick Scoot appointed her on December 2012, replacing retired judge David. If You Love Animals, Don't Visit Zoos or Aquariums Consider This Ethical Option Instead, Wild Crows Are Cleaning Up Littered Cigarette Butts in Sweden, 28 Facts About Black History and Changemakers, From Beyonc to Frederick Douglass. Some burning questions we still have are what's in the Groundhog Punch and what happens if Phil dies? Germans were among the first settlers in Pennsylvania and quickly adopted the local groundhogs as their forecasters in the absence of hedgehogs. Phil has a special seat on the outside, so he can be seen on parades. A notable exception was 2021, where the event took place without any crowds due to the COVID-19 pandemic. :), That's GREAT,Mustang! Phil has a wife. "Our groundhog will eat 12 months out of the year," Deeley told LiveScience. ", All Punxsutawney Phil does during the year (except on Groundhog Day) is eat, sleep and get his picture taken. Happy #Groundhogday. Let us know what you find out! Today, the famous occasion will be commended in the Northern United States, especially Pennsylvania. The elixir also changes his appearance (much like the Doctor in Doctor Who), which explains why Phil may be grey one year and a youthful brown the next. Many of the practices surrounding Punxsutawney Phil come from a suspension of disbelief and play-acted solemnity. Help spread the wonder of families learning together. Groundhog Day began as a German custom during the 18th and 19th centuries. We're glad you learned more about Punxsuawney Phil, Illana!! Today, the famous occasion will be commended in the Northern United States, especially Pennsylvania. She has since relocated to Arizona and now enjoys her mornings at a slower pace. The Inner Circle declares Punxsutawney Phils predictions to be 100% accurate, though the truth is far from it. Jeanna served as editor-in-chief of Live Science. 20142023 National Center for Families Learning, http://www.wonderopolis.org/wonder/who-is-punxsutawney-phil, National Center for Families Learning (NCFL). More Options Add Text Pro-tip: If you Login or Join Imgflip The lights in his zoo habitat are constantly kept on, preventing his body from receiving signs to start hibernating. 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One tap on the glass and Phil turns himself the right way round again. ????? Unlike the scientists who predict the weather called meteorologists Phil didn't have to go to school and doesn't have to study radar maps. But this furry mammal hasn't lost his wild instincts, it seems. This depressed state allows animals to conserve energy and live off their fat stores during the harsh winter months when food is scarce. Have fun exploring one or more of the following activities with a friend or family member: PHIL'S PREDICTION ON FEBRUARY 2: [9], Prior to 1993, the Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney attracted crowds of approximately 2,000. :), Thanks for taking time to rate the Wonder, Bob! The festival of Punxsutawney Phil has been featured on the official site of Wikipedia as well. Phil has a wife. The lifespan of a groundhog is anywhere from three years to 15 years, but it seems that the club does not publicly share when one Phil dies and is replaced with another. Leave us a comment. How much larger is the image on the screen compared to your cutout? We are so glad that you enjoyed this Wonder, and it sounds like you learned a lot! Most of us know Lassie and Flipper and Babe and Mickey, but have you met Phil? Nonetheless, Phil-fans claim there has only been one Phil. :), Hi, Wonder Friend! Punxsutawney's famed groundhog was first officially named Phil a few years later in 1961, and records suggest it was a holdover name from the earlier Philip. We are glad you liked this WONDER! ET: Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning, meaning we should brace ourselves for six more weeks of winter.). Thank you for asking, Valerie. Legend has it that if he sees his shadow then winter will continue for another six weeks but if Punxsutawney Phil does not see his shadow spring will come early. But don't blame Phil! Hello, Wonderopolis. A typical groundhog, also called a woodchuck or by its scientific name Marmota monax, weighs some 9.5 pounds (4 kg) with a body length reaching about 20 inches (0.5 m), at least those groundhogs . Its called the Philmobile and its a little bus that houses members of the Inner Circle. Well, make that Phil has had many wives. New York, Keep WONDERing with us, Wonder Friends! Once it's time, one of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club members pulls Phil out from a tree stump on the stage, and presents him before the crowd, Simba-style. We're glad you learned something new while visiting Wonderopolis! THANKS :D, I heard it started in spain ??????? Heres are 10 facts to add to your groundhog trivia. Hello! How can this famous groundhog live for so long? Phyliss has been married to Phil for many years. Some speculate that he was indirectly named for Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh at the time. Wow, that is pretty cool. We learned that he lives in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. While many may assume he is treated like an absolute king, animal lovers may find the truth a bit disappointing. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. In contrast, Punxsutawney Phil will never die. Groundhog handler AJ Derume holds Punxsutawney Phil, who saw his shadow, predicting a late spring during the 136th annual Groundhog Day festivities on Feb. 2, 2022 in Punxsutawney, Penn. Phil is the marmot of renown celebrated in the towns annual Groundhog Day festival. 4 stars is still a WONDERful rating! Some other fun facts about Phil from the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club: He has a wife named Phyliss, but she doesn't receive the elixir of life, so "she will not live forever like Phil." A . ? Heres how it works. Stay up to date on the latest science news by signing up for our Essentials newsletter. We found out that is 418 miles from where we are. #PunxsutawneyPhil has just predicted 6 more weeks of winter! 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. This is Punxsutawney Phil's wife, Jennifer. Legend attributes his long life to drinking "the elixir of life," which he claims is made using a secret recipe known only to club members. You can submit a question to us by going to the "What Are You Wondering" section on the website? Offers may be subject to change without notice. Memes | Lyrics | TikTok Trends | Instagram Filters. Have some feedback for us? Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. We're glad you're WONDERing with us! As Phil emerges from his home, onlookers and newscasters hold their breath waiting to see if Phil will see his shadow. They then remain in hibernation for about three months, according to National Geographic. Not at all! We will be learning about weather and weather instruments in science lab over the next few weeks. Temperature Record", "Groundhog Day Forecasts and Climate History", "Phil's Groundhog Day prediction: 6 more weeks of winter", "Groundhog Day to be without N.J.'s Milltown Mel again due to unexpected snag", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Punxsutawney_Phil&oldid=1149662252, Phil and the town of Punxsutawney were portrayed in the 1993 film, In 1995, Phil flew to Chicago for a guest appearance on, A 2002 episode of the children's animated series, Phil was the main attraction in "Groundhog Day", the April 10, 2005 episode of the, Lady Edwina of Essex, replaced Essex Ed at the, This page was last edited on 13 April 2023, at 16:52. Glad to have youWONDERing with us! Phil has forecasted an "early spring" if he does not see his shadow. pic.twitter.com/lL6v50tlx1. Since groundhogs only have a life expectancy of 10 years incaptivity, scientists note there have been many Phils" over the years. Keep WONDERing, Wonder Friend! Here's the story behind the famous forecaster and why his wild relatives snooze over the winter months: The legend of the groundhog's forecasting powers arguably dates back to the early days of Christianity in Europe when clear skies on the holiday Candlemas Day, celebrated on Feb. 2, meant an extended winter. Thanks for sharing, Wonder Friend! Green Matters is a registered trademark. Phil has been predicting whether we get six more weeks of winter or and early spring since 1886 and has a 100% accuracy rating. PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. ( WTAJ) For being 137 years old, Punxsutawney Phil looks great! :), Hi, Anthony! As I was reading through the article I saw that Phil has a wife named ''Phyllis''. How often is he right? Phil's prediction is 100 percent correct, and we blame the variants on the president's interpretation of Phil's prediction.". And how did you know we use robotsreal people here at Wonderopolis? In ancient German lore, a hibernating animal (usually a hedgehog) would cast a shadow and determine whether or not there were six more weeks of winter. While the Plott hound is the state dog of North Carolina, it is a very rare breed and not well-known in other states. The Groundhog Day celebration is rooted in a Celtic and Germanic tradition that says that if a hibernating animal casts a shadow on February 2, the pagan holiday of Imbolc, known among Christians as Candlemas, winter and cold weather will last another six weeks. What is "Groundhogese" and where did that language come from? His burrow has a viewing window, meaning the public can stop by and observe him every day of the year. In 1953, Punxsutawney buried a pair of groundhogs they'd named Elizabeth and Philip, after the newly crowned English queen and her husband. We're glad you stopped by! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Groundhog Day is a cool holiday! Alas, the elixir does not work on humans. I love this wonder i learned a lot of new things. Wow! Tristan is a well-known superstar with a sizable fan base as a resul Tim Van Patten and his wife, Wendy Rossmeyer, married in May 1996. I did not even know the Groundhog's name was Punxatawny Phil! Phil's batting average for weather predictions isn't exactly the greatest: A record of his findings shows that his shadow-based predictions have only been right about 64.4 percent of the time.