February Festivals
February is the shortest month of the year and sometimes the biggest winter storms are this month. It is hard to believe the earth is starting to stir and even some flowers are getting ready to bloom. The nights are cold, but the darkness is giving in to more daylight. February is the month of love. Valentine's Day is marked with candy and flowers and many marriage proposals. This is also the month for Carnival or Carnivall in many parts of the world. It is a great time to have your own Mardi Gras with friends. Celebrate the end of winter and have some fun.
Welcome the Sun
Ground Hog Day, Imbolc, Candlemas Day and St. Bridget Day (Brighid, Brigit or Bride in Celtic) are all observed on the second day of February. Brigit is associated with protection, fire and the sun. The Celts made a Corn Bride from a bundle of corn dressed with ribbons to protect and bless the coming planting of crops. Later this became a St. Bridget's cross made from reeds and hung on the front door to protect the home and all the people inside. Candle-mass Day was traditionally for taking candles to church to be blessed by the priest. This was a symbol of new light or new beginning. The home was cleaned and all the greenery from the Solstice from burned.
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