The 2nd February is the Winter Peak also called 'Imbolic'. This ancient festival marks the midpoint of winter, halfway between the Winter solstice (shortest day) and the Spring equinox, in the northern hemisphere.
In olden times, many people used to say that the Christmas season lasted for forty days - until the second day of February.
The 2nd February is known as Candlemas Day for Christians.
How did this 2nd February come to be called Candlemas?
It was the day of the year when all the candles, that were used in the church during the coming year, were brought into church and a blessing was said over them - so it was the Festival Day (or 'mass') of the Candles.
Candles were important in those days not only because there was no electric lights. Some people thought candles gave protection against plague and illness and famine. For Christians, they were (and still are) a reminder of something even more important.
This is a British saying:
"If Candlemas Day is clear and bright,
winter will have another bite.
If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain,
winter is gone and will not come again."
