The first three days of February all get a special mention in Chambers Book of Days.
The 1st of the month is Imbolc (pronounced imulk) marking the beginning of spring in the Celtic calendar. It’s halfway between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox.
The word Imbolc may derive from old Irish meaning ‘in the belly’ referring to the pregnancy of the ewes and the beginning of lambing. The celebration was presided over by the Goddess of youth and fertility -Bride later merging with Bridgid (or Bridget), one of Irelands saints but also known in England and Scotland. There are still churches dedicated to St Bride but none in Suffolk. Brigid died on 1st February 525.
The word Imbolc may derive from old Irish meaning ‘in the belly’ referring to the pregnancy of the ewes and the beginning of lambing. The celebration was presided over by the Goddess of youth and fertility -Bride later merging with Bridgid (or Bridget), one of Irelands saints but also known in England and Scotland. There are still churches dedicated to St Bride but none in Suffolk. Brigid died on 1st February 525.
The 2nd is the Christian festival of Candlemas the popular name for the feast of the Purification of Saint Mary the Virgin. Forty days after the birth of a baby, mothers had to go to the temple to be ritually cleansed . Churchgoers brought household candles for blessing to ward off evil in the home, something that was banned after the reformation but happening in many churches again now.
At one time the Christmas season didn’t officially end until Candlemas and evergreen decorations were left up until the eve of Candlemas.
Down with the holly, ivy, all
Wherewith ye dressed the Christmas hall;
That so the superstitious find
Not one least branch left behind;
For look, how many leaves there be
Neglected there, maids, trust to me,
So many goblins you shall see.
Robert Herrick, Hesperides, Ceremony upon Candlemas Eve (1648)
The 3rd of the month is the feast day of St Blaise, patron saint of wool-combers. He is said to have saved the life of a young boy who was choking on a fish bone then becoming the saint to ask for protection against throat ailments. The priest blessed two candles, tied them together to form a cross and held them against the throat of people suffering or wanting protection. He was yet another Christian tortured before being beheaded.
| From The Illuminated Book of Days by Kay and Marshall Lee this is an illustration by Eugène Grasset an artist who produced posters etc in France during the second half of C19 |
February has more weather folklore than any other month and even though it’s the last month of winter, there could still be lots of bad weather to come.
In the barn on Candlemas Day should be half the straw and half the hay
When gnats dance in February, the husbandman becomes a beggar
A February spring is not worth a pin
Fogs in February mean frosts in May
If Candlemas day be cloudy and black
T’will carry cold winter away on its back;
But if Candlemas Day be fine and clear,
Then half the winter’s to come this year.
A warm day in February is a dream of April
All the months of the year curse a fair Februeer
We will find out what weather February will bring in due course. I’m guessing mixed – it usually is, There is often a spell of much colder weather and sometimes snow. Although it doesn’t really matter as I won’t be venturing very far again, just swimming, exercise group and WI this month after the January break and the first of the three Rural Bygones sales at the auction yard.
Back Tomorrow
Sue
