Wednesday, 3 February 2010

Is Winter over? Candlemas proverb

Yesterday was Imbolc, and in other circles it is also known as Candlemas (Christian festival of lights). I think it's important for children to learn about different festivals and celebrations around the year so we were reading about these a little yesterday.

Candlemas traditionally marks the midpoint of Winter - midpoint between the shortest day and the Spring Equinox, so we are on the way to Spring now.

There is a weather proverb about Winter

If Candlemas Day be fair and bright
Winter will have another fight.
If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain,
Winter won't come again.

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

So how was your weather yesterday? Ours was cloud and rain and wet (although I wouldn't say foul). So does that mean that Winter is not coming again here? I'd like to think so.

I posted a picture of snowdrops yesterday that we say recently, and then saw this proverb which I have added to that post too

"The Snowdrop, in purest white array, First rears her head on Candlemas day."


I have also read that it is bad luck to bring snowdrops into the house before Candlemas day (represents a parting or death). I suppose it depends if you are superstitious if you believe this. I haven't had any in the house.

I believe it was also Groundhog day in America. So February 2nd has an importance to many.

1 comment:

  1. Rain and cloud for us yesterday :(.

    Still waiting for our snowdrops to open - they have little white tips so far.

    xx

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