I love the notion highlighted below. Same could be said of so much in any culture. peace, mjh

The Sky This Week, 2013 January 29 – February 5 — Naval Oceanography Portal

Groundhog Day. This is one of the traditional mid-season markers known as “cross-quarter” days that we still unwittingly celebrate, although most of us have no idea why. Loosely tied to a pagan festival called Imbolc, the day was brought to the U.S. by German immigrants who adopted the winter habits of the groundhog to those of their traditional old-world badger. As the mid-point of the season of winter, it does indeed mark the six-week interval leading to spring. Traditionally, if the groundhog sees his shadow, those six weeks will be cold and blustery.

The Sky This Week, 2013 January 29 – February 5 — Naval Oceanography Portal