Historically speaking, Groundhog Day is a direct descendent of Candlemas, which, for early Christians, was a day to bless and distribute candles— a hot commodity in the days before electric light, especially during the cold, dark winter. This celebration, halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, had been founded by the pagans and eventually given a new spin by the Church, marked by the blessing of candles by the local priest, and giving them to all the parish homes. Together they would kindle the Christ light, chasing the cold and shadows of winter temporarily away. Nice custom, yes?