Why do people in the U.S. celebrate Groundhog Day, and does it actually predict the weather?

Ah, Groundhog Day! It’s one of those delightfully quirky American traditions that feels like a slice of small-town life on a national stage. Every February 2nd, people gather—often in freezing weather—to watch a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil emerge from his burrow in Pennsylvania. If Phil sees his shadow, the legend goes, we’re doomed to six more weeks of winter. If not, an early spring is on its way. The whole thing traces back to a mix of German folklore and the Christian holiday of Candlemas, which involved weather predictions and the notion that a sunny day meant a longer winter. Groundhog Day is less about meteorological accuracy (spoiler alert: Phil’s predictions are right only about 40% of the time) and more about having a good time. It’s a celebration of whimsy, community, and perhaps an excuse to gather for hot cocoa and cheerfully complain about the weather. After all, whether winter drags on or spring comes early, we can all use a little levity in February!