02 February

Groundhog Day

This Canadian and US tradition originated in Germany as Badger Day (Dachstag). Groundhog Day is based on the belief that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day and sees its shadow in the clear weather it returns to its den, and winter goes on for another six weeks. If it is cloudy, and the groundhog does not see its shadow, spring is said to arrive early. Despite no scientific proof of consistent association between groundhog sleeping patterns and the weather, the tradition persists. The first observance of Groundhog Day took place in 1888 in Punxatawney, a small town in Philadelphia, where it is still assiduously celebrated. Groundhog Day is celebrated across North America and by virtual communities around the world, its popularity partly thanks to the movie of the same name.

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