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WHEEL OF THE YEAR - SPECIFIC WICCA WICCAN SABBATH HOLY DAY RITUALS

Candlemas - History of Candlemas

"Candlemas is known as the festival of lights. It celebrates the waxing year and the promise of spring to come. What began at Winter Solstice - the return of the sun - is well on its way. Fires and candles have always been lit on Candlemas as we will do tonight. A cup of newly melted snow often figures prominently on the Candlemas altar to symbolize the passing of winter.

"It was a popular festival in Ireland, and St. Bridget's Day was named on the same date. Brigid was actually an earlier name for the goddess of fire and inspiration. Hearing a Lark singing on Candlemas was considered to be especially fortuitous as it symbolized that early approach of springtime. Groundhog Day in America, also on February 2, is a weather divination ritual determining whether Spring will be early or late.

"Colors associated with this holy day are white and green to symbolize the passing of winter into spring. And seeds are often blessed and planted at this time. The God and Goddess are pictured as new born babies at the beginning of the wheel of life.

"If you have made New Year's Resolutions - you may wish to renew them at this time.

"This is a time of true beginnings...

"Of initiation... "