On a frigid, early-February morning, while thousands gathered in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to watch Punxsutawney Phil’s 140th Groundhog Day prediction, South Jersey saw its own weather lore come to life, with a twist.
For the first time, a turtle took center stage alongside New Jersey’s beloved groundhogs to offer a forecast for the coming season.
This year’s Groundhog Day tradition in New Jersey — a Garden State take on the classic Feb. 2 celebration, which traces its roots to German Candlemas folklore — included two familiar, furry weather forecasters and one unexpected guest: an Eastern box turtle named Tomothy from Glassboro.
Meet Tomothy the Turtle
Residing at Rowan University’s new Edelman Fossil Park & Museum, Tomothy emerged from a cozy enclosure Monday morning and, according to handlers, saw his shadow. That means, by Groundhog Day folklore, we can expect roughly six more weeks of winter weather before the thaw of spring begins in earnest.
The inclusion of a turtle among traditional predictors captured attention across the state, and the choice was more than whimsical. Eastern box turtles are known for their steady, deliberate movements and long lifespans. While not scientifically linked to weather forecasting, Timothy’s participation at Edelman Fossil Park – a place dedicated to connecting people with natural history – highlighted how cultural traditions can evolve while honoring local institutions and regional character.
Dr. Callan Tweedie, manager and veterinarian of the museum’s Critter Cove, led Tomothy’s brief walk into the cool morning sunshine. The sight of a turtle casting a shadow amid snow-dusted fossils and ancient relics symbolized a broader story: winter’s grip is stubborn — even if folklore hopes for spring warmth.
Garden State groundhogs weigh in too
Tomothy wasn’t alone in making a chilly weather call this Groundhog Day. In West Orange, Lady Edwina (a groundhog) also saw her shadow and echoed Tomothy’s forecast: continued cold for weeks to come. Her handlers humorously relayed that this winter’s snow and sub-freezing temperatures have kept her cozy but decidedly ready for warmer days.
Just over 100 miles north in Wantage, another Garden State groundhog, Stonewall Jackson, offered a counterpoint. Not seeing his shadow early Monday, the Sussex County weather watcher hinted at an earlier spring, a hopeful sign in an otherwise chilled celebration. These differing calls reflect traditions across the country: not every animal agrees, even within a single state.
A tradition that transcends weather
The origins of Groundhog Day date back centuries, rooted in the European Candlemas celebration. Folklore held that clear weather on that mid-winter day foretold prolonged winter, while cloudy skies hinted at an early spring with local animals serving as the omen. German settlers adapted this idea to North American creatures, especially groundhogs, due to their prevalence in Pennsylvania and beyond.
Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow again this year in western Pennsylvania, signaling six more weeks of winter. His prediction aligns with many others across the region, and although Phil is a cultural icon, scientific studies suggest that such forecasts are no more reliable than a coin flip. Meteorologists note that forecasting based on animal behavior doesn’t hold up to scientific weather data, though it remains a beloved cultural touchstone.
Why we still watch
Part of the enduring appeal of Groundhog Day lies not in its meteorological precision, but in the shared experience. Across New Jersey and the broader Northeast, residents huddled around phones and livestreams, followed social media updates and shared their hopes (and groans) about another stretch of cold weather. For some, a shadow means that winter drags on; for others, the differing tales of Stonewall Jackson and Tomothy fuel optimism that spring might yet arrive sooner than expected.
Even Lady Edwina, with her snow-covered forehead and comically earnest outlook, contributes to that communal story. The addition of Tomothy the turtle has made this year’s Groundhog Day a topic of conversation not just for weather buffs, but for those who appreciate a bit of whimsy in the long winter months.
In South Jersey, students and locals alike will remember this Groundhog Day not for a single forecast, but for the sight of a turtle stepping into a role usually reserved for groundhogs, reminding us that traditions can evolve, just as the seasons do.
Sarah Fertsch of Egg Harbor Township holds a Bachelors of Arts in Public Relations. She is a locally reknown poet, storyteller, and dog lover.
