PRAGUE GUIDE

The day of Hromnice is a significant day for Czech weather-related folklore. It falls on February 2nd, the same day the popular Groundhog Day is celebrated in the United States. And no wonder - both are based on the same ancient Celtic tradition.

The weather on Hromnice is a sign of how long winter will linger. According to the tradition of Groundhog Day, the groundhog comes out of his hole after his winter sleep on February 2nd and if he sees his shadow (i.e. if the day is sunny), he will go back to his hole and we should be ready for six more weeks of winter. If the day is cloudy, he will stay above ground, expecting the spring. There are dozens of Czech Hromnice sayings that predict the same, many of them reminding us that although we are starting to think about the spring, winter is not nearly over, and may not have even reached its peak.