Did you think I was going to say Happy Groundhog Day? Today is February 2nd, and that means that Punxsutawney Phil comes outside to tell us whether we will have 6 more weeks of winter. Sounds really American doesn't it? Well, it comes from Germany, like much of our Christmas tradition. Candlemas is a Catholic holiday that comes 40 days after Christmas and marks the end of the Christmas season. Why 40 days later, you ask? This is the Feast of the Purification of The Virgin. According to Jewish law the Mother of a "man child" is considered unclean for 7 days, and she remains for 3 and 30 days "in the blood of her purification." Sheesh, no wonder we don't hear much about this. As the name implies, this is also the day that Catholics, and Orthodox Christians, have their candles blessed for use in the home.
More relevant to we American Christmas fans, Candlemas Eve marks the date to remove all greenery. It is said that each remaining piece of greenery after this date represents a goblin you will encounter during the year! If you keep your Christmas tree up throughout January and your friends and neighbors scoff at you, let them no that everything stays up 'till Candlemas Eve!
So, what's up with the Groundhog thing? Well, back in old Germany, Catholics have a tradition of watching for the hedgehogs shadow as a prognosticator of winter's end. They brought that tradition along with Christmas trees and candles and Christmas carols, etc. Just like with those other German traditions the Americans added the fireworks and hoopla.
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