Groundhog Day

Canada on February 2.

is a member of the squirrel family.  Groundhogs in the

wild eat succulent green plants, such as dandelion, clover, and grasses.

is that the legend of Groundhog Day is based on

an old Scottish couplet: "If Candlemas Day is bright and clear, there'll be two winters in the year." Candlemas Day is one of the names of the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple and it is celebrated on the 2nd of February.

has its roots in an ancient Celtic celebration called Imbolog.

The date is one of the four cross-quarter days of the year, the midpoints between the spring and fall equinoxes and the summer and winter solstice.

and fails to see its shadow because the weather is

cloudy, winter will soon end. If on the other hand, it is sunny and the groundhog sees its shadow, the groundhog will supposedly retreat into its burrow, and winter will continue for 6 more weeks.

festivals are held to watch the groundhog emerging from its

burrow. In southeastern Pennsylvania, Groundhog Lodges celebrate the holiday with fersommlinge, social events in which food is served, speeches are made, and one or more play are performed for entertainment.

and those who speak English pay a penalty, usually in the form

of a nickel, dime or quarter, per word spoken, put into a bowl in the center of the table.

1993 film of the same name, Groundhog Day. The main character

(played by Bill Murray) is forced to relive the day over and over again until he can learn to give up his selfishness and become a better person. After this film the phrase "Groundhog Day" has come to represent going through a phenomenon over and over until one spiritually transcends it.