Winter is half over, we are now halfway between the Winter and Spring Equinox! What a lovely snowy delight. Candlemass day ecclesiastically is dedicated to the purification of the Virgin Mary, but it entwined with the older customs of Imbolc. Candles may also be lit today to strengthen the power of the sun.
Those who have the day off, and still have some decorations hung should take heed...
Down with the Rosemary, and so
Down with the Baies and Mistletoe;
Down with the Holly, Ivie, all
Wherewith ye drest the Christmas Hall;
That so the superstitious find
Not one least branch there left behind,
For look, how many leaves there be
Neglected there, Maids, trust to me,
So many Goblins you shall see.
As for the Americans among us, today is Groundhog Day.
The old Cornish game of Hurling is traditionally played in Candlemass week, usually the Sunday closest to February the 3rd.
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