Today is Groundhog Day and this morning Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow, so that means that spring will be coming very soon and winter will thankfully be over soon.

Groundhog Day has its origins in ancient European customs connected to the midway point between the winter solstice and spring. Celebrated on February 2nd, this day is known as Candlemas in the Christian calendar, where candles were blessed to symbolize the increasing light. European folklore suggested that the weather on Candlemas could predict the remainder of winter. Germans brought this tradition to the United States, adapting it with the groundhog as a weather prognosticator. The belief was that if the groundhog saw its shadow, there would sadly be six more weeks of winter.

The first official Groundhog Day was held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, in 1887, solidifying the groundhog, named Punxsutawney Phil, as a weather oracle. The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, established at that time, continues to organize the annual event. The festivities have grown over the years, with Punxsutawney Phil gaining nationwide attention. The odd prediction and the following emergence of the Punxsutawney Phil legend have made Groundhog Day a unique and entertaining tradition, blending folklore, meteorology, and community celebration.