Page 26 - 2021 Almanac

February is not all about fasting, cleaning and staying quiet. There are lots of celebrations happening all around the world, too. Some have serious meanings, but others are good fun!
2nd February
1st February Imbolc
Imbolc (pronounced ‘imulk’) is a pagan festival. Its name comes from the
Celtic word imbolg which means
‘in the belly’. This is because nature seems to be expecting lots of babies
at this time of year – baby animals, baby trees, baby flowers and fruit
and vegetables. Everything is hidden away at the moment, but that doesn’t mean nothing is happening deep in the
cold, dark ground – or inside pregnant
animals! To celebrate, people sometimes make dolls made of corn called ‘Bridey
dolls’ which are said to bring good luck.
Candlemas
Candlemas is a Christian festival. It celebrates the day that the baby Jesus was taken to the temple for the first time. The festival always takes place on 2nd February and marks the end of the Christmas season. At Ripon Cathedral in Yorkshire, people celebrate by lighting 5,000 candles to symbolise Jesus bringing light into the darkness
of the world.
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