It is one of only six non-island locations in the 48 contiguous states not directly connected to them by land, which are exclaves of the U.S. The original name of the town, Alburgh, was changed to Alburg in 1891 by recommendation of the United States Board on Geographic Names.
For the film, see Groundhog Day (film). For the stage musical, see Groundhog Day (musical). For other uses, see Groundhog Day (disambiguation). Groundhog Day (Canadian French: Jour de la Marmotte; Pennsylvania German: Grundsaudaag, Murmeltiertag) is a traditional holiday celebrated on February 2.
According to tradition, if a groundhog comes out of its hole on this day and sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather; no shadow means an early spring. Groundhog Day has its roots in the ancient Christian tradition of Candlemas Day, when clergy would bless and distribute candles needed for winter.