Candlemas is February 2 (& Groundhog Day)

Candlemas is a traditional Christian festival that commemorates the ritual purification of Mary 40 days after the birth of her son. It also marks the presentation of the infant Jesus in the temple. Christians were observing this holiday in Jerusalem as early as the 4th Century A.D.

The Feast of Purification is called Candlemas because that was the day on which the year's supply of candles for the church were blessed. Christians were observing Candlemas in Jerusalem as early as the 4th century A.D.

February 2 is 40 days after Christmas. Candlemas is also a cross quarter day, halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Scientifically or mathematically speaking, it marks the day that winter is half over!

What does Candlemas have to do with Groundhog's Day?

The legend of Groundhog Day is based on an old Scottish couplet:

"If Candlemas Day is bright and clear, there'll be two winters in the year."

Every February 2, people gather at Gobbler's Knob, a wooded knoll just outside of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Residents contend that the groundhog has never been wrong.
They wait for Punxsutawney Philto come out of his burrow . . . . .
If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, it means six more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow, it means spring is just around the corner.
Approximately 90% of the time, Phil sees his shadow.
Phil started making predictions in 1887 and has become an American institution.