On this day in 1886, the first groundhog day was observed.

But not really.

Groundhog Day is a driect descendent of Candlemas Day.

    The celebration began in America with the descendents of German immagrants in central and southern Pennsylvania during the 18th century. It's origins are ancient and the date, Feb 2 is the seasonal turning point of the Celtic calender.

The official celebration began on February 2, 1866 when Clymer Freas, editor of the Punxutawney Spirit published the following comment, "Today is groundhog day and up to the time of going to press the beast has not seen it's shadow."

The ground hog was subsequently named Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Prognosticators and Weather Prophet Extraordinary.

In his first recorded appearance, no shadow ..... early Spring.

From England:

If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Winter has another flight.
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Winter will not come again.

From Scotland:

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

From Germany:

For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day,
So far will the snow swirl until May.
For as the snow blows on Candlemas Day,
So far will the sun shine before May.

He looks a little crabby over there.