GROUND-HOG DAY (February 2, Candlemas), so called in the United States because of the fanciful supposition that the ground-hog or woodchuck (q.v.) then emerges from winter sleep (See HIBERNATION) to observe the approach of spring. If the ground-hog sees his shadow, he retires to his burrow for six weeks more of winter, but, if the day is cloudy, he remains above ground, confident of continuing mild weather. This association of the ground-hog with Candlemas day is an American variation of the tradition, long widespread in the Christian world, that a sunny Candlemas presages a cold spring. It is reflected in the Scottish saying : "If Candlemas is fair and clear, there'll be two winters in the year," and in the rural maxim : "February, second day, have half your corn and half your hay." (See CANDLEMAS.)