Feb 2

Candlemas (Candelaria)

After the traditional forty-day period of purification following the birth of Jesus, Mary presented him to God at the Temple in Jerusalem. A Priest named Simeon held the baby in his arms and said that he would be "a light to lighten the Gentiles" ( Luke 2:32 ). For this reason February 2 is called Candlemas (or Candelaria in Spanish-speaking countries) and has been celebrated by the blessing of candles since the eleventh century. In the Eastern Church it is known as the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple; in the Western Church, it's the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Imbolc (Imbolg)

One of the "Greater Sabbats" during the Wiccan year, Imbolc celebrates the coming of spring and the recovery of the Earth Goddess after giving birth to the Sun God at Yule.

("Wicca" is the name used by believers in neo-Pagan witchcraft because it doesn't carry the stigma that the terms "witch" or "pagan" carry.)

The Greater Sabbats (or Sabbaths) take place four times a year, on February 2, April 30, July 31, and October 31 (see SAMHAIN). In ancient days, they were huge get-togethers that involved dancing, singing, and feasting which went on all night.