Without a doubt!
Every February, millions of Americans impatiently anticipate the emergence of Punxsutawney Phil from his temporary Pennsylvania home, Gobbler's Knob. Phil then has an important decision to make. If Phil sees his shadow, he returns to his hole, and we’re faced with six more months of winter. If not, spring will arrive early!
There’s definitely something creepily weird about this. Punxsutawney Phil, a groundhog, mind you, is actually a census-authenticated resident of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.* During the year, Phil lives with his groundhog wife, Phyllis, in the town library. What’s more is that there’s actually a group of caretakers, known as the Inner Circle, who cater to Phil and Phyllis’ every need during the year. These men don top hats and tuxedos (out of respect for Phil, perhaps?)
Again, I can’t reiterate enough to you, that Phil and Phyllis are groundhogs. Not people, not even awesomely BA fighting puppies, but groundhogs.
The weirdness doesn’t stop there. America’s obsession with Groundhog Day has pervaded many aspects of popular American culture, most infamously with 1993 comedy Groundhog Day. As far as comedy films go, Groundhog Day is highly acclaimed, garnering numerous accolades, including it being named the 34th funniest film ever produced.
Another weird aspect of this holiday is the fact the fact the groundhog is the animal we choose to commemorate. This is America! Why not the eagle? Or golden retriever puppy? Or even Bambi or something like that. The groundhog seems like an extraordinarily random animal to commemorate.
Or not?
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punxsutawney_Phil
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