2 February; in American folklore, a day that is popularly supposed to provide the key to the weather for the remainder of the winter. Specifically, if the groundhog (woodchuck, Marmota monax), upon emerging from its hole, casts a shadow, it will return underground, thereby foreboding more wintry weather. There is no convincing statistical evidence to support this belief. This date, 2 February, is actually Candlemas Day, which is associated with similar beliefs in Europe, but in the United States, the popularity of this legend has come to overshadow the original significance of the day. One of the most popular Groundhog Day celebrations occurs in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, when the media gather at sunrise to see whether the local groundhog (named Phil) casts a shadow. See control day.