(Photo source: BBC)
Actually where we are right now - Brittany, specifically Finistere, the "end of the earth" - it's "Chandeleur" or Candlemas. No sign of groundhogs here, but with clear skies and lots of shadows, it looks like winter is not anywhere near over yet. We're going off to a neat place for some crepes tonight by candlelight (the tradition for Chandeleur, plus the rest of the year in Brittany, even when there's no particular occasion to commemorate) and some storytelling. The place is an improbable bookstore in the middle of a forest, and it's an appropriate place to commune with the Celtic spirits of inland Brittany, where there are probably as many "lutins" as Ireland has leprechauns.
Back in my native Pennsylvania, the people of Punxsutawney PA are keeping a lookout for Phil, the immortal groundhog. In Quebec, they also mark "Le jour de la marmotte" ("Big Lebowski" fans will remember The Marmot). Apparently the practice started here in Europe, but it was bears, not groundhogs/marmots that checked out their shadows. I can see why the good burghers of Punxsutawney chose a cute and sleepy groundhog for their ceremony - no point in stirring a bear to see if he's still hibernating.
But since Candlemas has religious roots too, let's give that part of the story, thanks to the BBC:
Candlemas commemorates the ritual purification of Mary, 40 days after the birth of her son Jesus. This day also marks the ritual presentation of the baby Jesus to God in the Temple at Jerusalem.
On Candlemas night, many people place lighted candles in their windows at home.
Like some other Christian festivals, Candlemas draws some of its elements from Paganism.
In pre-Christian times, it was the festival of light. This ancient festival marked the mid point of winter, half way between the winter solstice (shortest day) and the spring equinox.
I can't think of a better place than rural Brittany, on a starlit night, to contemplate this mix of Paganism, Christianity, marmottes and crepes. Happy Candlemas Night!