I forgot to post about Candlemas yesterday

Groundhog Day - Mariä Lichtmess (2. Februar)

The American tradition of Groundhog Day has roots going back to Germany and other European countries. February 2 has long been the date of a religious observance known as Candlemas, or Mariä Lichtmess in German. The following Bauernregeln are also related to the second day in February:

When it storms and snows on Candlemas Day,
Spring is not far away;
if it's bright and clear,
Spring is not yet near).

In Germany, the day has also been known as Mariä Reinigung, das Fest der Darstellung des Herrn and Mariä Kerzenweihe. The latter name (Kerze = candle) is related to the English "Candlemas" name and the tradition of blessing both sacred and household candles on Feb. 2. Up until 1912, Mariä Lichtmess was an official holiday in Germany. The Roman Catholic church has celebrated the feast day of Candlemas since 1960.....................................................................

(My humble thoughts:) This day is also observed as Brigid and Imbolc. Many Catholic holidays have a parallel holiday in various mythologies and ancient religions. Since I consider myself a believer influenced by New Age and psychologists like Jung but raised in the Catholic tradition I don't have a problem with intertwining. There are many names and shapes of holiness, many ways to worship, which cannot be disputed, because how can you dispute faith? We can only be judged by our actions. Do they bring good or evil, love or hate into this world? The scale of our lives' meaning and how well we live our faith. ....................................................................................... Winter turns to Spring The holiday of Candlemas , also known as Imbolc, falls on February 2nd. The ancient Celtic goddess Brigid was honored on this day, and even after she was absorbed into the Church as St. Brigid , celebrations for her changed very little from their Pagan roots. The name "Imbolc" has it’s name derived from the Gaelic “oimele” which means “ewes milk.” This major Sabbat lies opposite Lammas, and represents the very beginning of spring. This festival is for the Maiden, her renewal and has strong roots with the festivals for the Irish goddess Brigid . The name “Candlemas” is from the adaptations of rites for the Virgin Mary that the European churches held at the same time of year. The plough is an integral part of Imbolc ritual, this being the earliest time of year in Europe to begin ground breaking or preparations for spring planting. Some cultural groups decorated ploughs or held processions around the fields. Seedlings for early spring planting can be started indoors at this time.