The origins of Groundhog Day trace back to an ancient Christian tradition known as Candlemas Day, which marked the midpoint between the winter solstice and spring equinox. The folklore held that if the weather was clear and sunny, indicating the presence of a shadow, it meant more winter weeks ahead.
This tradition was brought to America by German immigrants in Pennsylvania, who incorporated the local groundhog as the predictor. Thus, the tradition began, evolving into a popular North American event (with Groundhog Day cards soon to follow, of course).
Today, Punxsutawney Phil, the most famous groundhog, annually predicts the weather. This transforms this age-old custom into the whimsical holiday we celebrate with the Groundhog Day greeting cards you can get right here on Postable.