Today is Groundhog day. Do you wonder, as I do, how this furry little animal got his job as a weather forecaster? The tradition dates back 123 years to 1887. It shares similarities with Candlemas Day (also celebrated today).

According to the folklore, once the groundhog emerges from his burrow and fails to see its shadow, winter will end soon and it will leave the burrow. If the shadow is visible, the groundhog will return to the burrow and winter will continue for six more weeks.

A tiny hill called Gobblers Knob in Punxsatawney, Pennsylvania holds the largest Groundhog Day celebration, but celebrations take place all over the U.S. and Canada.

For more groundhog lore visit Groundhog Day