Groundhog Day, the event which the the famous 1993 film starring Bill Murray was based on, is almost here. But what is the day actually based on?
Its centuries-old history draws on Christmas traditions, a North American marmot, and the mysterious-sounding 'Inner Circle'. Here is everything you need to know about the day - and about its star, Punxsutawney Phil.
What is Groundhog Day?
It is a traditional holiday celebrated in the US and Canada. According to folklore, if the weather is cloudy when a groundhog emerges from its burrow on February 2 – Candlemas – then spring will come early.
If it is sunny, the groundhog (a North American marmot with a greyish brown coat, weighing up to 9lb – in case you weren't sure) will see its shadow and retreat back inside, and winter will continue for another six weeks.
Based on the German lore that badgers are a forecasting animal, the tradition began as...