Candlemas is a Christian holiday also known as “The Feast of the Purification of the Virgin” and “The Presentation of Jesus”. Described in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:22-40), Joseph and Mary presented baby Jesus at the Temple 40 days (inclusive) after his birth. On this event, Mary completed the ritual of purification after childbirth and performed redemption of the firstborn son, Jesus.
Why do I bring this up, you ask? I suspect you have a 2015 calendar which marks February 2 as Groundhog Day. The origin of this U.S. event was first documented in a diary entry by James Morris on February 4, 1841. In the diary reference, Mr. Morris pens “if the groundhog sees his shadow he pops back for another nap, but if the day remains cloudy he remains out, as the weather is to be moderate.” (Source: History Society of Berks County, Reading, PA). The date that the groundhog “peeped out” was February 2 – Candlemas!!
So, on Monday, February 2, we will anxiously await to hear whether or not Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow. We will also know the new reigning Super Bowl Champions. Now, you know that February 2 is Candlemas – 40 days after Christmas Day – the redemption of Jesus as Mary’s firstborn son and where Simeon prophesied the redemption of the world by our Lord and Savior Jesus.
Bea Positive and Bea Redeemed as we start a new week and new month. Enjoy this Scottish poem about Candlemas, a forecast for the winter season:
If Candle-mas Day is bright and clear,
There’ll be two winters in the year.
If Candle-mas be fair and bright,
Winter has another flight.
If Candle-mas brings clouds and rain,
Winter will not come again.
beapositive 