It’s groundhog day which means today we determine when spring will begin! While you’ve probably heard of the celebration before, how well do you really know the holiday? Follow along below to put your knowledge to the test with this Groundhog Day quiz.
When did Groundhog Day begin?
February 2, 1887!
WIth this being the 139th year, groundhog day has been a long standing tradition. The holiday has German roots from when settlers used animals including badgers to predict the weather early on in the year.
How many people attend the event?
35,000-40,000!
While the town of Punxsutawney has only 6,000 residents, the festivities draw in big crowds. Each year tens of thousands of people travel to see the groundhog’s prediction, and when the holiday falls on a weekend, the event draws upwards of 50,000 people.
What is the name of the groundhog at the event?
Punxsutawney Phil!
Phil has been the face of Groundhog Day since 1887 and is said to live forever due to a magical groundhog nog. Sources say that each sip of this nog gives him an extra seven years of life which is how he’s still the face of the event.
How accurate are Phil’s predictions?
39%!
With primarily incorrect predictions, Phil is not known for his accuracy. In fact, compared to other groundhogs like Staten Island’s Chuck who has 85% accuracy, Phil is one of the least accurate predictors of the weather, but he remains an excellent mascot for the holiday
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