2nd February: Candlemas

Candlemas Day is the day on which the Virgin Mary was purified in the temple after the birth of Jesus. Traditionally, churches bless candles today. It is a cross-quarter day and in some years the festival of Imbolc falls on this date. Not surprisingly, it has become a day rich in tradition, so here are some of the world's Candlemas customs:

1. Predicting the weather is a common one. Typically a creature of some kind emerges from its hole, and if the Sun is shining it goes right back in again, because sun on this date is only a temporary blip before winter returns in earnest, whereas bad weather is a good sign. Which animal it is depends on where in the world you happen to be. In Germany, it's a Badger; in France, it's a Bear, and in the USA, it's the Groundhog - hence "Groundhog Day".
2. If Christmas decorations aren't removed from the church by now, there will be a death in the family of the pew where the decoration is still up.
3. In France, crepes are eaten after 8pm. If the person cooking them can flip one while holding a coin in their other hand, the family will be prosperous in the coming year...
4. ...Which could have a knock-on effect for next Candlemas if you live in Scotland, where it was traditional for children to give their teachers money. The boy and girl who gave the most would be declared the King and Queen of Candlemas and they would be carried through the streets.
5. Still in Scotland, landlords would visit their tenants today and ask if they wanted to stay another year.
6. Large Football matches were another Scottish tradition where half the town would take on the other half in the streets. The most famous annual game is played in Jedburgh, and it's said that this game was originally played with the severed heads of any Englishmen who'd had the audacity to try and cross the border.
7. Sailors didn't like to start a journey on this day, believing that if they did, the trip would end in disaster.
8. Another superstition is that it's unlucky to borrow Money on Candlemas day, as it means you will never be able to afford to pay it back.
9. Candlelight processions are another common theme, said to promote fertility in the fields before crops are planted. There may be bonfires as well.
10. Some traditions of witches hold their initiation ceremonies on this date.