The Meaning Behind February 2nd (Groundhog Day)

February 2 is the cross quarter day (or midpoint) between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox.  In Portugal, it is not the groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, but the Lady of Candles who is looked to for seasonal predictions.  

Quando a Senhora das Candeias está a rir está o inverno para vir, quando está a chorar está o inverno a acabar. [Translation: If she smiles (Sun) the winter is yet to come, if she cries (Rain) the winter is over]