Punxsutawney Phil, Holtsville Hal predict six more weeks of winter -- Newsday.com

Punxsutawney Phil, Holtsville Hal predict six more weeks of winter -- Newsday.com: "Punxsutawney Phil, Holtsville Hal predict six more weeks of winter


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Holtsville Hal
Holtsville Hal (Newsday / Daniel Goodrich)
Feb 2, 2006

Punxsutawney Phil
Punxsutawney Phil (AP Photo)
Feb 2, 2006

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Photos: Groundhog Day
Photos: Groundhog Day

Poll: Groundhog's day
Famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow today, indicating more winter. Do you believe in the legend?
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Shadow, what shadow?

The real reason the groundhog leaves his den

Some facts about Groundhog Day
WHO IS PHIL?: Punxsutawney Phil has been making weather prognostications every Feb. 2 in Punxsutawney, Pa., since 1886.
THE ORIGINS: Groundhog Day grew out of what had essentially been a German superstition. German settlers brought with them the idea that if a hibernating animal casts a shadow Feb. 2 -- the Christian holiday of Candlemas -- winter will last another six weeks. If no shadow is seen, legend says spring will come early.
WHERE IT HAPPENS: Punxsutawney is a town of about 6,100 people located about 65 miles northeast of Pittsburgh.

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Punxsutawney Phil

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

February 2, 2006, 8:11 AM EST

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. -- Don't put those winter coats away just yet.

The world's most famous weather prognosticating groundhog Punxsutawney Phil was roused from his burrow at 7:23 a.m. Thursday and saw his shadow, a sign that there'll be six more weeks of winter.


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Long Island's Holtsville Hal also saw his shadow, but Malverne Mel and Staten Island Chuck did not see their shadows, thus predicting an early spring.
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