The legend of Groundhog Day stems from this Scottish verse. In the late 1800's a man named Phil, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, began predicting whether or not the winter was going to be long, or if spring would arrive early. This was all calculated on the actions of a groundhog emerging from his burrow on the second day of February, and looking for his shadow. If a shadow is seen, it means another six weeks of winter. If there isn't a shadow, it's agreed that spring will arrive soon. Residents of Punxsutawney, PA contend to the accuracy of these predictions, year after year. I've read that this sighting and "official" prediction was mainly a more secretive affair, until 1966, when the actual, groundhog observation event became a more publicized phenomenon and thus an American institution. In the 1980's, this event gathered a crowd of 1000 - 2000 people. By 1997, 35,000 people were recorded as having witnessed this event. And in 2002, the number rose even higher to 38,000 (and it was a chilly 19 degrees Farenheit!). BRRR! I think thos e temps have returned for 2009!
According to the ledger, the Groundhog sees his shadow about 90% 
of the time.
[Candlemas Day is observed as a church festival, commemorating the presentation of Jesus in the temple.Candles are blessed and carried throughout the celebration.]
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