There’s an odd set of traditions cluster around the 1st and 2nd of February.

On 1st February there is a feast called Imbolc, associated with Scotland and Ireland. As usual with supposedly pagan feasts, the problem is that it’s all supposition and creativity and guesswork. It may have had something to do with the fertility of sheep. It may have had something to do with the Gaelic goddess Brigid. And she may or may not have been Christianised as St Brigid–who may or not have been a real person who was a friend of St Patrick. Dodgy folklore, reinvented by Victorians, is never a very trustworthy basis for anything. But still – it’s a reminder that Spring is coming. The days are lengthening and the little lambs will soon be here.

And from pagan revivalism to the downright odd… 2nd of February is Groundhog Day. As immortalised in the Andi McDowell and Bill Murray film, the people of Punxsutawney in Pennsylvania celebrate by sticking a groundhog out in the open. The theory is that if Phil the Groundhog can see his shadow on this day, there will be 6 more weeks of winter. Otherwise, spring is on the way. In Germany they used a badger for the same purpose. In Hungary, there’s a Groundhog Day Bear. It kind of makes sense in Europe – where a clear day in early February means frosts – but whether the weather works the same way in Pennsylvania, I doubt.

In the church, the second of February is “Candlemas”, when we remember the presentation of the baby of Jesus in the Temple. Joseph and Mary paid the price of two doves for sacrifice, and Anna and Simeon told them what an amazing child they had brought in with them.

We remember that Jesus coming into the Temple was a fulfilment of an ancient prophecy: ‘“Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty.’ (Malachi 3:1). The King of Kings comes to the place which was built for his Name – but only two people noticed. The crowds came and went, the sacrifices went on, and somewhere in the middle of it all, the most important person in history was held in Simeon’s arms and blessed. And in being blessed, he was a blessing to Simeon, and to the world.

In days gone by, worshippers would bring their candles to be blessed at Candlemas. A very physical reminder that the Light of the World was seen on earth. He came to bring us light – the light that life has meaning, a purpose, a direction. And the darkness never overcomes the light. Even though, with great symbolism, Candlemas is halfway between Christmas and Easter – we turn from the crib to the cross.

We will remember the light of Christ, shining in the Temple, on Sunday 1st February at our regular church services.

“Pause for Thought” this month comes from Gary Alderson
Rector – Barnack with Ufford, Bainton, Helpston & Wittering
Telephone: 07503975588