"Six more weeks of winter," says the Rodent

Back in the day, people would be burned alive (or drowned, whichever seemed more convenient) for acts of witchcraft. But here in Pennsylvania, we have a large rodent that predicts the weather. Yes, you heard me right.

The legend of Punxsutawney Phil goes back 123 years. Each year, on the 2nd of February, this large brown rat-like beast emerges from the earth (or is pulled out of a box) on Gobbler's Knob and if he can see his shadow, then that means we're in for six more weeks of winter.

According to the Groundhog Club (please, don't even ask!!), the celebration of Groundhog Day began with Pennsylvania's earliest settlers. They brought with them the legend of Candlemas Day, which states, "For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day, so far will the snow swirl in May...".

And it's said that this furry little beast was named after King Phillip. Prior to being called Phil, he was called Br'er Groundhog. Now there's a mouthful.

So don't pack away your winter coats just yet. The earth rat has, er, spoken.