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WEATHER
Lesson 1 - Page 7

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The changing of weather has always been a celebration in many societies. It was an important event to know when to prepare for bad weather or when to plant crops. Many of the holidays that are celebrated throughout the world have something to do with a change of weather.

In the United States there is a tradition of Groundhog day on February 2. It is when the groundhog comes out of his hole after a long winter sleep to look for his shadow. If he sees his shadow, there are six more weeks of bad weather and he will go back to sleep. If he does not see his shadow, spring weather is here and he will stay above ground.

This tradition comes from the Europeans who used a hedgehog. Since the early colonists to America did not find a hedgehog, they substituted a groundhog. In Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, an entire event has developed to create a media event around Phil the Groundhog.


  


Groundhog Phil being interviewed

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