Wednesday 2 February 2011

Candlemas 2 February

Today is Candlemas another of the old Scottish Quarter days when farm contracts,leases,rents began and ended.Originally known as Imbolc in the pre-Christian calendar it was used to foretell the rest of the winter weather. It falls on the midpoint of winter half way between the shortest day and the spring equinox.Christianity adopted the day to mark the cleansing of the Virgin  Mary after the birth of Jesus and the church to bless new candles for the coming year.
Good weather at Candlemas is taken to indicate severe winter weather would follow. In Scotland the emergence of snakes from the ground became Groundhogs in the United States and Canada. This aspect of Candlemas evolved into Groundhog Day. If the Groundhog could see its shadow,there will be 40 more days of winter.

If Candlemas day be dry and fair,
The half o the Winter's to come and mair;
If Candlemas day be wet and foul,
The half o the Winter's gane at Yule.






8 comments:

  1. Something I didn't know! I love it when that happens. Great post, very very nice blog - I'm a follower. Thanks for posting.

    Regards,
    Cindy

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  2. Excellent Blog !

    markdezabaleta.blogspot.com

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  3. Many thanks for both your support and kind comments. I hope to blog more frequently from now on.

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  4. Great bit of information. I have an adult daughter born on Groundhog's Day. I can't wait to tease her about snakes being the legendary ancestors of groundhogs.

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