2. Holidays and Festivals in February

The Romans and the Celts regarded February as the start of spring.

Candlemas

Candlemas is a traditional Christian festival that commemorates the ritual purification of Mary forty days after the birth of her son Jesus. On this day, Christians remember the presentation of Jesus Christ in the Temple. Forty days after the birth of a Jewish boy, it was the custom to take him to the temple in Jerusalem to be presented to God by his thankfulparents. In pre-Christian times, this day was known as the “Feast of Lights” and celebrated the increase strength of the life-giving sun as winter gave way to spring. This feast is called Candlemas because that was the day on which the year’s supply of candles for the church were blessed.

St Valentines Day

This was originally thought to be the day on which birds chose their mates. There are many traditions and tales associated with romance activities on Valentines day including:

● the first man an unmarried woman saw on 14th February would be her future husband;

● if the names of all a girl’s suitors were written on paper and wrapped in clay and the clay put into water, the piece that rose to the surface first would contain the name of her husband-to-be;

● if a woman saw a robin flying overhead on Valentine’s Day, it meant she would marry a sailor. If she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor man and be very happy. If she saw a goldfinch, she would marry a rich person.

Each year in Britain, around £503m are spent on cards, flowers, chocolates and other gifts for Valentine’s Day. Traditionally these were sent anonymously, but nowadays it is often made clear who is sending each “Valentine”.

Thinking Day

This is the day when members of the Scout and Guide movements remember their founders Lord and Lady Robert Baden-Powell.