|
A Page From the KIDPROJ
Multi-Cultural Calendar
Candelmas Day or Groundhog Day - USA
by Stacey Eley, Leslie Dyson
2 February
Candelmas Day
There is another little Holiday on Febuary 2nd too. It is called Candlemas Day. This day started in ancient Rome as a day to honor the mother of the great god, Mars. Candles and torches were carried in the streets. Later, when Christianity became an important religion in Rome, Candlemas Day became a day to honor Mary and it celebrated the presentation of the Lord in the Temple. This day marks the end of the Christmas season. Because it falls in the middle of winter is was a time to begin thinking about spring.
American colonists and German settlers in Pennsylvania decided to keep the date of Candlemas Day but also added the custom of using animals that hibernate to predict the weather. Since the groundhog is the most common hibernating animal in Pennsylvania, "Punxsutawney Phil" sticks his head out of the ground each February 2nd!
Stacey Eley and Leslie Dyson
Delmar Elementary School
Delmar, Maryland
USA
Other Entries For This:
[Holiday]
[Country]
[Author]
[Month]
Page updated by Odd de Presno
- .
Copyright ®
1990-2007 Kidlink - All rights reserved.
http://www.kidlink.org
