Groundhog Day is a popular tradition in the United States and Canada. As the custom goes, if the groundhog emerges from its burrow to see its own shadow, the groundhog will take this as a sign of six more weeks of winter, and return to its burrow.

Early spring arrives if it doesn’t see its shadow, causing the groundhog to remain above ground. 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.” Candlemas, or Feb. 1 was the day that the churches blessed the candles to be used in services throughout the year.

According to The Weather Channel( www.weather.com) there are 11 groundhogs to watch. Many areas hold early morning festivals to watch the groundhog emerge from its burrow. You can join in the fun by signing up for an email alert at www.groundhog.org!

They are listed in order of popularity.

1. Punxsutawney Phil (Punxsutawney, PA)
2. Staten Island Chuck (Staten Island, NY)
3. General Beauregard Lee (Lilburn, GA)
4. Dunkirk Dave (Dunkirk, NY)
5. Chattanooga Chuck (Chattanooga, TN)
6. Buckeye Chuck (Marion, OH)
7. Sir Walter Wally (Raleigh, NC)
8. Jimmy The Groundhog (Sun Prairie, WI)
9. Malverne Mel (Malverne, NY)
10. Holtsville Hal (Holtsville, NY)
11. Woody (Howell, MI)