​Groundhog Day is a tradition observed regionally in the United States and Canada on February 2 of every year. It derives from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day and sees its shadow, it will retreat to its den and winter will go on for six more weeks; if it does not see its shadow, spring will arrive early. In 2024, an... Wikipedia

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Where is the groundhog from?The answer is in his name. The groundhog is known as Punxsutawney Phil, because the town where the Groundhog Day tradition originated is called Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. A big celebration is still held in the town to this day.
What is the prediction for this year's Groundhog Day?The Old Farmer's Almanac predicts that Punxsutawney Phil will not see his shadow this year, which of course means an early spring for everyone. Snow is currently in the forecast for Groundhog Day 2026, which should prevent the forecasting chuck from seeing his shadow.

If they're right, it's news that would likely be welcome for most New Englanders as this year's winter has been cold and snowy.

What are the origins of Groundhog Day?According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, the holiday originated with German immigrants in Pennsylvania in the 19th Century, but it also has its roots in some Celtic customs.

It's partly rooted in an old Celtic festival called Imbolc, which marked a "midpoint between seasons," according to the Almanac, which added, "The celebration of Imbolc signaled that the sun was halfway through its advance towards the spring equinox, and the season of new birth and light was on the horizon."

It also stems from another Celtic holiday called St. Brigid's Day, with the Celtic goddess Brigantia being associated with dawn, light, and spring, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.

The Christian festival known as Candlemas – a festival of light – is also observed on Feb. 2, and is also a precursor to Groundhog Day.

"The name refers to the candles lit that day in churches, which celebrate the presentation of the Christ Child in the temple of Jerusalem," the Almanac stated, adding that the festival celebrated "light over dark."
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The passage added that, "Sunshine on Candlemas was said to indicate the return of winter."
Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil pictured as he makes his prediction on how long winter will last during the Groundhog Day Festivities, at Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania on Feb. 2, 2024.

By the 19th Century, German immigrants brought the custom of Candlemas to Pennsylvania when they resettled there, according to the Almanac, which noted, "Finding no badgers but lots of groundhogs, they adopted the New World species to fit the lore."
In 1887, Punxsutawney was declared "to be the weather capital of the world," the Almanac noted.

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