STATEN ISLAND, NY — On Friday, Staten Island’s very own Chuck is set to come out of hiding to predict the arrival of the spring season. Don’t worry if you don’t know much about Staten Island’s beloved celebrity or this fun family tradition.
Here is your guide to everything you need to know about the annual Groundhog Day celebration.
1. The practice of the prognosticator
The tradition of Groundhog Day is held on Feb. 2 every year. A designated groundhog is tasked with predicting the future of the winter season. If the creature sees its shadow, it is said that we will receive six more weeks of winter. If not, we are spared from a frigid few weeks and can expect an early spring.
2. Digging to the roots
Groundhog Day can be traced back to Candlemas, an early Christian holiday where candles were blessed and distributed. If there were clear skies on the holiday, that would be sign of an extended winter. Germans eventually adopted the idea that if the sun made an appearance on this day, a hedgehog would cast a shadow and it would be a symbol for six more weeks of winter.
Upon arrival in the states, German immigrants carried on the tradition and tasked the groundhog with the responsibility of predicting the winter season. The first place to adopt this practice was Punxsutawney, Pa., home of Punxsutawney Phil.
3. An aged seer
Staten Island’s own groundhog, Chuck, aka Charles G. Hogg, has been carrying the responsibility since 1981. His main rival, Punxsutawney Phil can be traced back to 1886. Despite the experience gap, Chuck has a leg up on his competitor.
4. Grounded guesses
Unlike Phil’s 39% accuracy, as shown by the Stormfax Almanac, Chuck boasts a far more impressive number. According to the Staten Island Zoo, Chuck boasts an accuracy rate around 80%. Now that’s something to write mama Hogg about.
5. Tallying it up
To determine whether Chuck’s guess was right or wrong, the weather over the following six weeks is tracked. If the temperature climbs above 40…
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