After Imbolc on Feb. 1st, Candlemas falls on Feb. 2nd. While both are seen as origins of Groundhog Day, Imbolc is a Pagan festival, while Candlemas is a Christian festival. In the 6th century the Christian Church, as it did with many other pagan gods and goddesses, declared the goddess Brigid to be St. Brigid, and established Feb. 1st as her annual festival.
Remember that the only Christian Church at this time was the Roman Catholic Church until Henry VIII abolished it in England in 1534. The Roman Catholic Church has always been very active in naming Saints, even today.
St. Brigid, native to Ireland, was the 'Grain Goddess', representing fertility during the coming year. She established several nunneries, including the famous one at Kildare. And she was one of the three patron Saints of Ireland, a contemporary of St. Patrick and St. Columba.
You therefore have a choice of celebrating Groundhog Day either as a Pagan or a Christian, but either one is a focus on spring, and the growing season to come. You also have the choice of either Feb. 1st or 2nd; the literature isn't very clear on that.
It certainly would have a much later date here in southern Ontario to avoid the snow!
I'll just watch Punxsutawney Phil tomorrow to see what he does! But I think we'll have an early spring nevertheless.
ReplyDeleteGreat history lesson. A picture I saw a few years ago of a Groundhog holding a sign saying "I'm a Rodent not a Meteorologist" stands out in my mind.
ReplyDeleteBe Safe and stay warm during that cold spell.
It's about time.
Enlightening, thank you for posting that and educating all of us.
ReplyDeleteWhoever thought that a simple little old groundhog day had such a long history?
ReplyDeleteWell, when it comes to Pagans and Christians I think I will put my money on the groundhog.
ReplyDeleteAlways more to learn, so thank you.
ReplyDeleteJoy
Meteorology, religion, history.....It must take years of study to become a groundhog!
ReplyDeleteAnd another storm is on the way!
ReplyDelete(ツ) from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!
Interesting, thank you. St. Brigid and St. Patrick. I won't tell my children (Bridgette and Patrick) or it will go to their heads. haha
ReplyDeleteI wonder if Wiarton Willie will see his shadow today in your area.
I know that regardless of what a jittery, cranky rodent says, winter in Canada will still go through all of March.
ReplyDeleteDec 1 would work here in Tampa. So I'm good with 2-1
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