Sunday 2 February 2014

Valentine House, Candlemas & Groundhog Day

We are now into the shortest month of the year, the month when thoughts often turn to love, yes this is another Valentine Post but only so I can show you my Valentine House with the lattice windows and Heart details....


Handpainted Valentine House

Hearts & Flowers on a House


There are other significant events that happen in February, one celebration is Candlemas.  

A Snowdrop ACEO from my Etsy Shop


Candlemas is a Christian feast celebrated on February 2nd. Sometimes it's known as the Feast of the Presentation. Snowdrops (galanthus nivalis) are known as Candlemas Bells because they often bloom in February.
You can read more about the  Candlemas Feast here.

February 2nd is also the date Groundhog Day is celebrated. According to folklore, a Groundhog peeps out of his winter quarters and if he sees his shadow he pops back for another six weeks nap because he believes the winter will continue but if the day is cloudy he remains outside, as the weather is going to be moderate. There is an interesting Groundhog Day Article Here 


Have you ever seen the Bill Murray Groundhog Day Movie ? It's a great 'curl up on the sofa with a duvet' movie.

I came across some poems that covers both these events...

In Scotland, the verse:
If Candle-mas Day is bright and clear,
There'll be two winters in the year.
Or an alternative Scottish rhyme:
If Candlemas day be dry and fair,
The half o' winter to come and mair,
If Candlemas day be wet and foul,
The half of winter's gone at Yule.
An English verse:
If Candle mas be fair and bright,
Winter has another flight.
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Winter will not come again.
A European verse:
For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day,
So far will the snow swirl until the May.


So are we going to get a 'second winter' or is spring on it's way? What do you think?

I'm linking this post to Handmade Monday
 
Jan x


10 comments:

  1. I love Groundhog Day the movie! Bill Murray is a genius!

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  2. I'm ever hopeful spring is on it's way.. snowdrops up, I say ever the optimist!! Vicky

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  3. I didn't know that about Snowdrops and Candlemas. Love your snowdrops, and have been embroidering some today.

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  4. I wasnt aware of candlemass nor groundhog day (although have watched the movie!) thanks for sharing...

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  5. Aww i love your valentine's house especially the hearts growing from the vine :) Such a beautiful picture of snowdrops too, i can confirm that the ones in my garden are just starting to bloom!

    Thank you for the info re February 2nd, its always interesting to learn a bit of history and folklore x

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  6. I really hope spring is on the way - although the forecast is for yet more rain,. So miserable. I love your snowdrops - such a pretty and delicate flower. Hope you have a good week.

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  7. My mum used to keep the xmas decs up until candlemas. It was a clear day with blue sky yesterday.... Don't mind if it stays cold for a while longer. But i'd rather the rain took itself off somewhere where it would be welcome ...

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  8. I often wondered what Groundhog day was - and now I know... The little Valentine house is beautiful. It would also be perfect as a wedding gift xx

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  9. I'm planning on it being Spring soon, although my daughter would love some snow. Your Valentine house is really cute.

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  10. Your valentine house is really pretty. I have never heard of Candlemas, so that's the new thing I learnt today, thanks.
    Ali x

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I love reading your comments and I'll always try to get back to you :)