I mentioned in an earlier post that I had received a mulitcultural calendar recognizing numerous religious and cultural celebrations throughout the year. I thought it would be interesting to mark these events throughout the year on this blog. A great learning experience for me and for my faithful blog readers (including Anne-Marie’s mom in Montreal)! The calendar folks gave me permission (www.multiculturalcalendars.com) so here goes my first posting for February 2nd.
February – Black History Month
In December of 1995, the Parliament of Canada recognized February as Black History Month following a motion introduced by the first African Canadian woman elected to Parliament, Jean Augustine. The presence of peoples of African descent in Canada dates back farther than Samuel de Champlain’s (a French explorer and navigator in early 1600’s) first voyage down the St. Lawrence River.
February 2nd – Candlemas Day (Christian) – Celebrates the presentation of the baby Jesus in the Temple of Jerusalem 40 days after his birth. This day is now combined with candlelight marches in preparation for planting in the fields.
February 2nd – Imbolg (Wicca) – Imbolg comes from an archaic Gaelic expression “in the belly”, which signaled the first stirrings of life within the womb of mother earth. Corn dolls are burned as offerings to the sun to hasten his return.
February 2nd – Groundhog Day (Canada/USA) – Folklore suggest that if the groundhog sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter.
Source: www.multiculturalcalendars.com
Filed under: Blog, Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion
