Groundhog Day

This day is a popular North American tradition observed in the USA and Canada. It derives from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerging from its burrow on this day sees its shadow due to clear weather, it will retreat to its den and Winter will persist for six more weeks; but if it does not see its shadow because of cloudiness, Spring will arrive early. The tradition has been going since 1887 in Punxsutawney in western Pennsylvania, centring on a semi-mythical groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil, and is well attended and shown live all over the world. He comes out of his burrow at 7.25 a.m. Eastern Time with live coverage ususally starting at 6 a.m. There is a programme of events over the week including members of the Inner Circle who help organise the event. It is based on the Christian festival Candlemas.