It seems February 2 and the famous Groundhog Day may have far more ancient origins than Punxsutawney Phil in 1887. Today marks the exact halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. The six weeks that the groundhog projects for more winter, if he sees his shadow, seem to derive from the six weeks from this halfway point to the first day of Spring. 

The day is also called a Cross Quarter Day. All ancient cultures divided the year into four periods marked at Winter Solstice, the Vernal Equinox, the Summer Solstice and the Autumnal Equinox. This is still recognized to this day to mark out our seasons. Things were, in turn, divided by our ancestors when they marked the halfway point (Cross Quarter Day) between each of these solstices and equinoxes. Think of various celebrations when you learn that these days are February 2, May 1, August 1 and October 31. 

Today was also known as Candlemas Day when all candles to be used throughout the rest of the year, by some Christian churches that implemented them, were blessed. In England, the celebration was banned after the Reformation, seeing as it was felt these were too associated with magic. The candles were used as talismans to ward away demons, storms, and anything considered evil.

Brigid's Day was also celebrated on February 2 when the Celtic fire goddess of the same name was honoured. The early catholic church saw that she was so celebrated that they made her a saint and associated her with fire, holy wells, and springs. She heralded the transition from darkness to winter to the light of spring.

There's more! The Imbolc festival was held this day by ancient Celts the time when ewes lactated, pregnant with lambs, as they would soon begin lambing.

Germany practiced the early form of groundhog day with a badger who would see his shadow and dig into the ground again until the cold weather ended. Bears were also said to awake from hibernation at this time to check out the environment. 

So, whether or not the groundhog would see his shadow, there is still six weeks until the spring equinox, the first day of spring.