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Sure, everyone has seen the classic film starring Bill Murray and the relentless Punxsutawney Phil, but most would likely be surprised to find an actual, historical basis for this peculiar tradition!
All jest aside, this origin story began with the Pennsylvania Dutch, many of whom immigrated from German-speaking areas of Europe, bringing with them the tradition of Dachstag, or Badger Day. In time, dachs became dox, which the Pennsylvanians used to refer to groundhogs, and four weeks became six.
And thus, much like the pizza, a European tradition arrived on our shores and evolved into something unique and wonderfully American.
– Alberto Moscoso, On 3 Public Relations