Berry had some unusual company on campus today, groundhog Professor Hermann Hog. In conjunction with Punxsutawny Phil in Pennsylvania, the groundhogs saw their shadows resulting in six more week of winter.

Allie Pritchett, Viking Fusion Executive Director

The Berry community was greeted early this morning by a furry friend, groundhog Professor Hermann Hog, who predicted six more weeks of winter. This prediction was announced nationwide at 7:18 a.m. Friday after Pennsylvania’s infamous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, saw his shadow. This was not shocking news as temperatures were below freezing in Rome.

This tradition dates back to 1887 at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania when the first rodent meteorologist predicted the upcoming season. According to history.com, Groundhog Day finds its roots in an ancient Christian tradiition called Candlemas. Clergy would bless and distribute candles needed for winter. The candles represented how long and cold the winter would be.

Click here to watch Viking Fusion Facebook Live video of Friday morning’s celebration of Groundhog Day.