Today, February the 2nd, is Groundhog Day. It is a holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada. According to folklore, if a groundhog emerging from its burrow on this day can´t see its shadow (because the weather is cloudy or rainy), it will leave the burrow, signifying that winter will soon end. If on the other hand, the groundhog sees its shadow (because it´s a sunny day), the groundhog will supposedly retreat into its burrow, and winter will continue for six more weeks. This tradition is associated with the legend of Candlemas Day:
"If Candlemas be fair and bright,
"If Candlemas be fair and bright,
come, Winter, have another flight;
if Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
go Winter, and come not again".
The largest Groundhog Day celebration is held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where crowds as high as 40,000 have gathered to celebrate the holiday since at least 1886. And this morning, Phil the groundhog could see its tail and that means that we will have 6 more weeks of winter. So... patience!
Would you like to see the moment when Phil comes out of its burrow? Have a look...