Today is Groundhog Day and marks the ancient and important Celtic festival of IMBOLIC, from which groundhog day originates. Celts in Ireland, Scotland and other locations celebrate this mid point between the winter solstice and spring equinox as the beginning of spring, and pay special homage to their goddess Brighid.
Brighid, the Celtic goddess of fertility, is said to visit the homes of the righteous during the night. People leave strips of cloth for her to bless. Called ‘clouties’ (Dr, Martin reference here) they are then hung about to ensure good fortune. During the day people visit the blessed wells associate with the goddess. (Brighid and practices associated with her were Christianized by St. Patrick and his colleagues. Interestingly, her feast day of is February 2.)
Traditionally, the presence or absence of shadows during Imbolic were interrupted as predictions of a ‘second winter’ or early spring. A German variation of this tradition brought Groundhog Day to Pennsylvania.
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