Maryland’s groundhog Queen City Charlie saw his shadow Monday morning, predicting six more weeks of winter according to Groundhog Day tradition.
What’s Happening: Queen City Charlie stepped outside on Groundhog Day and saw his shadow. According to folklore, this means winter weather will continue for six more weeks. Although, unlike most of his compatriots, Queen City Charlie isn’t actually a groundhog, so his predictions should be taken with appropriate skepticism.
What’s Important: The prediction follows the annual February 2 tradition observed across the United States. If a groundhog sees its shadow, legend says winter will last longer. If no shadow appears, spring arrives early.
The Tradition: Groundhog Day dates back to 1887 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The event is based on an old German superstition that if a hibernating animal sees its shadow on Candlemas, winter will continue. Multiple cities now host their own groundhog predictions each February 2.
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