The Journey To America Roman legions, during the conquest of the northern regions supposedly brought this tradition to the German peoples who picked up on it and concluded that if the sun made an appearance on Candlemas Day, an animal, the hedgehog, would cast a shadow thus predicting six more weeks of winter. As Europeans sailed for the new world they brought with them their beliefs and traditions but left behind the flora and fauna of their homeland. There were no hedgehogs in Pennsylvania, but they found groundhogs in profusion. It was observed that the groundhog is a most wise and sensible animal. Finally In Punxsutawney Every February 2, people gather at Gobbler's Knob, a wooded knoll just outside of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.
Residents contend that the groundhog has never been wrong.
The ceremony in Punxsutawney was held in secret until 1966, and only Phil's prediction was revealed to the public. Since then, Phil's fearless forecast has been a national media event. The representative then translates the prediction for the general public. If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, it means six more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow, it means spring is just around the corner.