Groundhogs Ignore Snowstorm and Predict Early Spring

Despite the raging snowstorms in Ontario today, the tradition of Groundhog Day went on like normal. The first one to make his prediction was Shubnecadie Sam in Nova Scotia. The next to emerge from his burrow was Ontario's own Wiarton Willie. Both did not see their shadows, which, according to tradition, means that the country is in for an early spring. If they would have run back into their burrow, it means we would have been in for 6 more weeks of winter. Even though it is hard to believe looking out the window, the predictions are apparently very accurate. Punxsutawney Phil, from Pennsylvania, also predicted an early spring, something people in Pennsylvania say only happens on average every 10 years. The last time he predicted an early spring was in 2007.  

The tradition of Groundhog Day was brought to the country by German immigrants. The date is unknown, however, many people still make the trek to various cities to see Willie, Sam, Phil and Billie make their predictions. In my opinion, it is a fun tradition, and the fact that it is still going strong after a few decades means that people really appreciate it. This tradition can give people a ray of hope that spring will be coming just around the corner. Because of this, it is a tradition that is worth keeping.

http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/02/02/groundhogs-ignore-the-blizzard-predict-early-spring/