FEBRUARY FOLKLORE

THE CELTIC FESTIVAL OF IMBOLE

1 FEBRUARY

Literally meaning ‘in milk’, this time marked the lactation period of ewes (that had given birth) and cows. Since milk was vital to the survival of tribes, it was a time of great joy. During the festival it was customary to pour milk (or cream) on to the Earth.

CANDLEMAS DAY

2 FEBRUARY

This Christian festival of lights marks the 40th day – and conclusion – of the Christmas-Epiphany season and the midpoint of winter – halfway between the shortest day and the spring equinox. It commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the Temple of Jerusalem, referring to the light of the people of Israel.

FEAST OF ST BLAIZE

3 FEBRUARY

St Blaize is the patron saint of people who are suffering from throat problems. During church ceremonies sufferers’ throats are blessed by two candles bound together.

HURLING THE SILVER BALL

10 FEBRUARY

An essential part of St Ives Feast in Cornwall, which takes place on the first Monday after 3 February, this Celtic outdoor game (also known as Cornish Hurling) starts when a silver ball is thrown from the wall of the parish church of St Ia. Whoever holds the ball at the stroke of noon wins the prize of a crown piece.

BORROWED DAYS

12 – 14 FEBRUARY

These days were traditionally said to be ‘borrowed’ from January. If the weather on these dates was stormy, the year would be favoured with good weather; if fine, the year’s weather would be foul.

THE LEGEND OF SNOWDROPS

Snowdrop flowers appear in February and, according to legend, became the symbol of hope when Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden. When Eve was about to give up hope that cold winters would ever end, an angel appeared and transformed some snowflakes into snowdrop flowers – showing that winters do give way to spring.