Americans have many unusual traditions, and it’s time to start getting rid of some of them. I vote that we start with Groundhog Day.

Let’s start with the basics: What is Groundhog Day? Every year, on February 2nd, the groundhog is supposed to come out of hibernation. It is said that if the groundhog comes out and sees his shadow, there are going to be 6 more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t see it, Spring comes early. According to History.com, this tradition began in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, when a group of groundhog hunters from Punxsutawney called the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club declared that Phil, the Punxsutawney groundhog, was America’s only true weather-forecasting groundhog.A weather-forecasting groundhog? Really? I don’t even understand how people can be weather-forecasters, let alone a groundhog. 

I do want to pay my respects to Punxsutawney Phil, because he passed just days before Groundhog Day this year. Now, with his passing, Wiarton Willie took his place this year. Where do they get these names? 

Here’s where it gets confusing. Did Willie see his shadow this year? There are multiple different sources that have claimed both sides of the story. Some say he did, and we’re looking at 6 more weeks of winter, while others say he didn’t and spring is coming early. I didn’t have front row seats, so I don’t know which is true. 

To make matters even worse, Phil only had a 40% success rate. What a scam. 

All in all, we need to leave the Groundhogs alone. Some people have suggested using a robotic groundhog, or even plants instead. I say just get rid of the tradition completely. 

The only thing I can say now is, keep your sweaters and boots out. It doesn’t look like it’s getting warm anytime soon.