Feb. 2 is a day for celebration worldwide, for a wide variety of reasons. Some traditions mark Feb. 2 as Candlemas, Imbolic, or a day of purification. For other people, Punxsutawney Phil's 2011 appearance has marked an early spring on its way. It is getting close to the time to take out a payday cash advance loan and plan your spring getaway.
Past Candlemas
The division of seasons is called the "wheel of the year." Halfway between equinox and solstice is February 2 known as a "cross quarter" day. In order to grow grain, this day was to prepare soil in agrarian society. Candles were needed to do work. This was because lots of the plowing happened during the dark time of day. The dawn of the new year was symbolized with this "candle mass." It also symbolized purification and renewal.
Candlemas around the world
"Imbolic" is what Candlemas is known as in several European countries. Since sheep gave milk again once winter was over, "Ol-melc" was used meaning milk which is where the word comes from. A goddess statue was often washed and carried through the fields in order to celebrate the coming planting and harvest. The day is recognized by Jewish and Christian tradition also. The Christian patron saint of grain was St. Brigid. In order to celebrate her day, bread was baked and seeds were planted. Candlemas/Imbolic is also the day 40 days after the day the birth of Jesus is celebrated, making it the date the Jewish Mary would have purified herself. In short, it’s a day of purification, planting and honoring of the coming growing season.
Candlemas to Groundhog Day festivity changes
Imbolic or Candlemas was often the time of the year that humans started leaving the house and working out in the fields, and animals did the exact same. The tradition of a hedgehog seeing its shadow on Candlemas meant six more weeks of winter was brought by German settlers within the 18th century. February 2, 1887, is the real first day of Groundhogs Day. This was because it was the first time Punxsutawney Phil had to come out of his hole to predict the weather. About 39 percent of the time, Punxsutawney Phil is right. February 2 is the day to appreciate light, warmth and springtime whether you commemorate Candlemas, Imbolic, St. Brigid's Day, Mary's purification or you just watch Punxsutawney Phil come out of his hole.
Articles cited
School of the Seasons
schooloftheseasons.com/candlemas.html
The Telegraph
telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/8298417/The-history-of-Groundhog-Day.html
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