Candles and groundhogs

 

When the Germans arrived in America in the 1700's, they brought along the traditions of Candlemas Day. February 2 falls at the mid-point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. If the weather was fair, it was believed the second half of the winter would be stormy and cold.

Candlemas Day marks an early episode in the life of Jesus: The Presentation at the Temple.  On Candlemas day, the clergy would bless candles and distribute them in the dark of winter.  People put lighted candles in their windows to mark the return of warmth and light.

If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Come, winter, have another flight,
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Go winter, and come not again.

Old English song 

The famous marmot Punxsutawney Phil just predicted six more weeks of winter. No surprise to those of you in the midwest this morning.