GROUNDHOG DAY French Creek Freddie And Punxsutawney Phil Predict Early Spring
Reported by: Bob Aaron
Web Producer: Mamie Buoy
Reported: Feb. 2, 2013 10:53 AM EST
Updated: Feb. 2, 2013 5:41 PM EST
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French Creek
, West Virginia
If you are sick of these bitter cold temperatures all of the snow, brighter days might be on the way. West Virginia's groundhog, French Creek Freddie, has predicted an early spring.
French Creek Freddie did not see his shadow Saturday morning, which according to folklore, means that we will have an early spring.
Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Phil also predicted an early spring at Gobbler's Knob on Groundhog Day.
Groundhog Day stems from a European tradition called Candlemas Day where Christian clergy would bless candles and then give them to people. The Germans believed that if the sun came out on Candlemas Day, the hedgehog would cast a shadow, predicting six more weeks of bad weather.
French Creek Freddie has undertaken his annual ritual at the West Virginia State Wildlife Center since 1978.
Only time will tell if French Creek Freddie's prediction is accurate; but this week, temperatures are only expected to reach the mid 40's.
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Bob Aaron
