How did Groundhog Day come to be celebrated on February 2nd?

The tradition of Groundhog Day being celebrated on February 2nd dates back to a Pennsylvania Dutch superstition. German immigrants brought the tradition to the United States in the 18th century. They believed that if a groundhog saw its shadow on Candlemas Day (February 2nd), there would be six more weeks of winter.

According to folklore, if the groundhog sees its shadow, Winter weather will stick around for six more weeks. If the groundhog does not see its shadow then we can expect an early spring!