Candlemas



Happy Groundhog Day! What do the ancient Romans, medieval Germans, the liturgical calendar, and Paxetaney Phil have in common? February 2nd! 

The Romans noted February 2nd as the midway point between the winter solstice and the vernal equinox- halfway through the 90 days of winter. They held that if February 2nd was sunny with clear skies, cold weather would persist.

The Germans integrated that idea with observing hibernating animals, bears and hedgehogs, in fact. So if the hibernating animal came out and found it clear and sunny, they would see their shadow and go back to hibernating. 

German immigrants to Pennsylvania found a substitute for a hedgehog in our groundhogs. So concludes the chain from the Romans to the Germans to Paxetaney Phil on Groundhog Day.


On the liturgical calendar, February 2nd was the celebration of Candlemas. It marked 40 days from the celebration of the birth of Christ. Linking this to the 40 days for purification required after giving birth, Mary would have been ready to present her firstborn at the temple. This event involved the presence of Simeon and Anna. Simeon blessed the infant as the light to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel. 

Traditionally people would bring their candles to be blessed at this mass in remembrance of the light coming into the world through Christ. In France, Candlemas is celebrated by feasting on crepes, perhaps as a representation of the sun and its light.

https://rachelpearsey.myshopify.com/products/the-coming-hope-of-all-nations

I think the light of the world is an excellent reason to celebrate. I plan to have candles burning in my house today and maybe make a few crepes. I'm gonna need a little extra light and a few more reasons to celebrate because Paxetaney Phil thinks we're in for six more weeks of winter.

https://www.visitpa.com/live-stream-phils-prediction

Some music to celebrate The Light of the World:

https://youtu.be/pldfYmreBUk?si=SwKKFoxAl7u2OsYy



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