European farmers brought the tradition to North America
Whether or not spring sticks around for six more weeks depends on where you live.
On Groundhog Day 2026, forecasters like New York’s Staten Island Chuck, Punxsutawney Phil from Philadelphia, and General Beauregard Lee from Georgia all saw their shadows and called for six more weeks of winter.
Woodstock Willie in Illinois and Buckeye Chuck from Ohio, however, did not see their shadows and believe spring will be here soon.
For those wondering how Groundhog Day became a tradition in North America, you can thank farmers.
Groundhog Day can be traced back to European traditions like Candlemas, which is celebrated on Feb. 2, or Imbloc, a Celtic festival marking the midpoint between the winter solstice and spring equinox.
Candlemas is a festival celebrating the presentation of Jesus at the Temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary.
In German lore, it’s believed farmers observed badgers or hedgehogs on Feb 2.
If the animal didn’t see its shadow, farmers took this as a sign of early spring and could start sowing their fields.
When German immigrants came to the U.S. and settled in Pennsylvania in the 1700s, they brought Candlemas, and what would become Groundhog Day, with them.
The settlers used groundhogs because they’re native to the area.
That’s why Punxsutawney Phil, who has a 39 percent accuracy rate since his predictions started in 1887, is viewed as the proper authority within groundhog weather forecasting circles.
At the time, the settlers used the predictions to determine if they had to keep barns stocked for another six weeks of winter.
"February second, Candlemas day; half your wood, and half your hay. Half the winter has passed away, we'll eat our supper by the light of day!" an old saying says.
"If Candlemas Day be fair and bright. Winter will take another flight; If Candlemas Day be foul and rain, Winter is gone and won't come again,” goes another saying.
Though the most famous, groundhogs aren’t the only animals used in Groundhog Day celebrations.
In New York, for example, Clucksatawney Henrietta calls for six more weeks of winter if she doesn’t lay an egg.
In Texas, an armadillo named Bee Cave Bob, and in Alabama an opossum named Sand Mountain Sam look for their shadows.