Candlemas, February 2

 

We really don't need a groundhog when we have a perfectly serviceable day to celebrate without it. February 2nd is Candlemas, or the Feast of the Purification, or the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple. In those days, a woman who had given birth would go to the temple 40 days later for a purification ceremony and to receive a redemption of the first born son - not redemption like cashing in, but rather, redemption in the sense that a Kohen (direct descendant of Aaron) released the boy from having to serve in the temple.

It's also the day that the beeswax candles used in the chuch are blessed using an aspergillum. You know...that thing that Father uses to sprinkle everyone with holy water.