Groundhog Day employmentAfter 364 days of preparation, Punxsutawney Phil's big day arrived on Feb. 2, Groundhog Day. The furry prognosticator came out of his stump at Gobbler's Knob at 7:15 a.m. local time and predicted six more weeks of winter.

Since 1886, when the tradition began, Groundhog Day has been held on Feb. 2 every year. But it wasn’t always about a groundhog coming out of the ground to assess his shadow. The tradition came from a Christian religious holiday called Candlemas Day, according to The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club website.

So while there have likely been several Punxsutawney Phils since 1886, the Groundhog Club doesn't publicize that information, maintaining that Phil is over 130 years old thanks to the elixir of life. (The club also maintains that Phil is accurate 100% of the time, while the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says it's more like 35% ).

Watch: Groundhog Day 2025 as Punxsutawney Phil gives end of winter prediction -