In our recent e-Newsletter sent on February 2^nd, Groundhog Day, we included the following Old English saying:

“If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Winter has another flight.
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Winter will not come again.”

We explained that “Candlemas” was the German reference to the mid-day between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. It is the day we call “Groundhog Day.”

A loyal Maine Warmers customer and e-Newsletter recipient was thoughtful enough to write back to us with a little more information about Candlemas.  A.G. of Medford, MA wrote:

“One slight correction to your piece about Candlemas — Although this day is the “cross-quarter day” (as the Old Farmers Almanac calls it) halfway between the winter solstice and the vernal equinox, it is also in the Catholic Church (and other Christian churches) the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, and traditionally (before the Second Vatican Council) the very end to the Christmas season. Because this feast is associated with light, it became the custom to bless candles at Mass on this day, and that is the origin of the term “Candlemas.” I don’t know if the Church deliberately chose to place this feast on the calendar at the halfway point of the return of the light from the solstice to the equinox, but it seems likely and consistent with the practice of the early Church to “Christianize” older pagan festivals.”

We love to hear from our customers and always appreciate their comments, feedback, suggestions, and in this case, a correction regarding a quote in our e-Newsletter.  We can all learn from each other.

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