How Candelmas Day turned into Groundhog Day – If a day to predict the arrival of spring weather sounds familiar, it probably calls to mind Groundhog Day. However, for centuries, February 2nd was celebrated as a Christian Feast Day known as Candlemas. #Candlemas #GroundhogDay
How Candelmas Day turned into Groundhog Day
“If Candlemas be fair and bright, come winter, have another flight. If Candlemas bring clouds and rain, go winter, and come not again.” – English folk song
Candlemas also bore significance outside of Christianity, marking the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It was celebrated as an ancient Roman festival of light.
The name “Candlemas” refers to the traditional processions and blessing of candles that came to characterize the feast day. It also is called the Feast of the Presentation, because it honors the day that Mary and Joseph presented the infant Jesus at the Temple according to Mosaic law.
Candlemas Day was always celebrated on February 2, exactly 40 days after Christmas on December 25th. Mosaic law stated that 40 days was the period of purification time after the birth of a child.
Candlemas also presented an opportunity to predict weather. According to the New England Historical Society, New Englanders who once lived in old houses looked at how far the sun would shine in through cracks in the structure to determine how far the snow would continue to blow in through to the month of May.
Like many religious celebrations, Candlemas has a secular alternative in Groundhog Day. Groundhog Day was first recognized in the United States during the late 1800s and was popularized in Pennsylvania by German settlers who had their own Candlemas Day rhymes related to the weather. The Germans connected weather prognostication to the local hedgehog. When German immigrants arrived in America, there were no hedgehogs, so they used the groundhog, the closest representative animal they could find. The tradition grew so popular it was eventually commercialized. Thousands began to flock to Punxsutawney, PA, to watch Punxsutawney Phil make his prediction.
Today Groundhog Day is anticipated each year as millions of people eagerly await to see if winter will last six more weeks or if spring warmth will arrive sooner rather than later.
Learn more about Groundhog Day.
Article compliments of MetroCreative TF212718 Fitst published January 21, 2021. Last updated or republished February 2, 2024.
Subscribe To Courageous Christian Father!
Don’t miss any blog posts! Subscribe today! You can subscribe via WordPress or by entering your email! Thank you!
Follow Courageous Christian Father on WordPress.comDon’t forget to also share blog posts you love on your favorite social media too! Thank you! Sharing is caring!
Follow Steve Sews on Social Media
Below are some examples of blog entries from all the blogs that I do. (Courageous Christian Father, Steve Sews Stuff, and SteveZ DesignZ).
Recent Posts
- Mother Acronym Printable
Mother Acronym – This is my acronym poem for the word Mother. Wishing all the moms out there a Happy Mother’s Day! Includes a Free Printable Version! #Mother #MothersDay #Mother #MotherAcronym #MotherAcrostic - The Curious Case of the Key Fob and the Human Antenna
The Curious Case of the Key Fob and the Human Antenna — Have you ever found yourself in a vast parking lot, squinting at rows of cars, trying to locate your trusty steed among the sea of metal? You press the unlock button on your key fob, but alas, no familiar beep or flash of headlights. You’re too far away. But then, you remember a quirky trick – lifting the key fob to your neck, and suddenly, the car responds. It’s like magic, but it’s actually science. - Truth Traveler Newest Answers in Genesis Attraction coming to Pigeon Forge
Embark on a Journey Through Time with Truth Traveler — Coming soon to The Island at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is an attraction that promises to take visitors on an unparalleled adventure through biblical history. “Truth Traveler,” developed by the creators of the renowned Creation Museum and Ark Encounter in Kentucky, is set to be a state-of-the-art virtual reality experience that will transport guests back to the days of Noah and beyond. - Earth Day
Earth Day – day set aside to remind us to take care of the Earth and help provide protect for the environment. God gave us the Earth! We need to take care of it! Everyday! #EarthDay - In God We Trust – One Nation Under God – In God We Trust Day
In God We Trust Day a day based on that is imprinted on our currency here in the United States. Our Nation was founded under One Nation under God. Anymore it seems God has been removed from everything. We Christians are just taking it and not standing up for our beliefs and allowing this to happen all because today’s world believes in being politically correct (pc) they say. Did you know there is a In God We Trust Day as well? #InGodWeTrust
Thank You For Reading Courageous Christian Father!
Thank you for reading. Please feel free to share and like this blog post.
About the Author
