February 2nd is Candlemas Day, marking the Feast of the Presentation. It is of the very oldest church festivals, celebrated since the 4th century. For Catholics, the Christmas season is over.
The church originally chose this date (40 days after the birth of Jesus) because it coincided with a Gaelic pagan festival. Imbolc marked the beginning of the agricultural year, about halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. But winter isn't finished yet in northern Europe, no sir. An old English farmer saying goes like this:
In the barn on Candlemas Day
Should be half the straw and half the hay.
It's still chilly and damp outside, but bulbs are poking up, weeds are growing, the grass is getting longer. With the extra light more obvious in the afternoon, February feels like the start of spring here.
As for the groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning, meaning six more weeks of winter. The groundhog tradition started in Europe at Candlemas, and the Germans who settled in Pennsylvania in the 1700's (our ancestors, actually) brought the custom to America.
It's still chilly and damp outside, but bulbs are poking up, weeds are growing, the grass is getting longer. With the extra light more obvious in the afternoon, February feels like the start of spring here.
Sunday is Super Bowl so the grocery store ads are full of salty snacks, beer, soda and party platters. I'm roasting a turkey I bought last Thanksgiving when they were practically giving them away. I don't care who wins, but it would be fun seeing Brady eat a big slice of humble pie.
Have a good weekend.
Have a good weekend.
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