February 2nd is Candle Mass Day.

 Francis Savage a MAECare Member recently wrote to remind us of this fact.

 What is it?
This ancient festival marks the midpoint of winter, halfway between the shortest day and the spring equinox. It was the day of the year when all the candles, that were used in the church during the coming year, were brought into church and a blessing was said over them - so it was the Festival Day (or ‘mass’) of the Candles.
People believe that Candlemas Day predicted the weather for the rest of the winter. The weather proverbs express the idea that a fine bright sunny Candlemas day means that there is more winter to come, whereas a cloudy wet stormy Candlemas day means that the worst of winter is over.

Weather Proverbs

If Candlemas Day be bright and clear
There will be two winters in one year.
If Candlemas Day be thick with rain,
Winter is gone and won't come again.

If the birds sing on candlemas,
They will cry before May

Where the winds blow on candlemas eve
There it will remain until May eve

 Candlemas Superstitions.

A candle which drips on one side when carried in church on Candlemas, denotes a death during the year of someone dear.
Snowdrops are considered to be unlucky if brought into the house before Candlemas Day, representing a parting or death.
Any Christmas decorations not taken down by
Twelfth Night (January 5th) should be left up until Candlemas Day and then taken down.