Today is the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. The Celts called it Imbolc. German-Americans created Groundhog Day (in Germany they observed badgers rather than groundhogs). It is also Candlemas, which "celebrates three occasions according to Christian belief: the presentation of the child Jesus; Jesus’ first entry into the temple; and it celebrates the Virgin Mary’s purification."
Time and Date adds, "Snowdrops (galanthas nivalis) are known as Candlemas Bells because they often bloom early in the year, even before Candlemas. Some varieties bloom all winter (in the northern hemisphere). The superstitious used to believe that ...
read more