Punxsutawney Phil is a groundhog that has allegedly lived in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, for the past 125 years. While it is simply a common animal, Phil has now become part of a rich meteorological tradition. The San Francisco Chronicle wrote, “Punxsutawney Phil is supposed to tell whether we’re going to see six more weeks of winter or not.” With Phil not seeing his shadow on Feb. 2, he has predicted the end of winter. Regardless of his accuracy, Punxsutawney Phil has become a true icon.
Every February 2nd, Phil crawls out of his burrow in mid-eastern Pennsylvania. As he drowsily exposes himself to the outdoors, he either sees his shadow or not. With this random event has come a legendary myth: if he sees his shadow, spring will have to wait 6 weeks. Otherwise, winter will stop.
While scientifically speaking, there is no tangible connection between the groundhog and weather patterns, a culture has developed around Phil. There is a “group of local dignitaries” who wear tuxedos and top hats and care for Phil year round (www.groundhog.com). This “inner circle” is essentially a tribe, dedicated to Phil. Just like any great American icon, Phil has a dedicated fan base.
Phil is also legendary because of his alleged immortality. Though the typical life span of a groundhog is six to eight years, every summer Phil receives a drink of magical punch to give him seven more years of life (www.groundhog.com).
For this reason, Phil has been able to live for over 120 years, and for almost all those years he has been a force in meteorology.
Phil, however, has been dismal in his accuracy. While his predictions are heralded with much pomp and circumstance every year, he only has a “39 percent average of actually being correct” (www.dailynorthwestern.com).
Still, given the inaccuracy of most meteorologists, Paul Austin said “Punxsutawney Phil is still far more reliable than any meteorologist.”
Like any true hero, he has his share of enemies. For one, the Financial Times wrote that this year’s prediction by Phil had a major effect on gas prices (www.blogs.ft.com).
Freshman Younos Manfoud lacked respect for Punxsutawney Phil, saying, that “I could do a better job.”
In short, he is a true American legend. He has fulfilled the American dream by defying all constraints based on his physique or specie and he has become a household name.
Senior Don Connelly summarized this, saying, “He’s a national icon and has been for over 100 years.”