The groundhog is a rodent from the squirrel family, which according to an ancient belief in Europe, heralds the coming of spring.
Groundhog Day is a popular holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada every February 2nd.
The reason for the holiday is the awakening of the groundhog from its winter slumber and its exit from the burrow. According to the belief, if the groundhog forms from the burrow, it is a sign that spring is beginning because the clouds in the sky prevent it from seeing its own shadow. On the other hand, if she returns to her forgiveness, it is because the sun illuminates her and allows her to see her own shadow and this is a sign of another six weeks of winter.
The holiday originated in the state of Pennsylvania in the USA, with German immigrants in the 18th and 19th centuries who brought with them additional customs that foretell spring that were common in ancient Europe.
How to celebrate Groundhog Day?
The groundhog is an animal that lives in mountainous areas in Central Europe, America and Asia so if you are there, you can find groundhog burrows and you can follow them if they come out and wake up or come back in. What you can also do is watch the 1993 film "Get Up Yesterday Morning," starring Bill Murray and Andy McDowell, which recounts the events of the Groundhog Day in the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.
February 2 is also World Wetlands Day