According to The Writers' Almanac "February 2 is a 'cross-quarter' day in the solar calendar, which means that it falls exactly between a solstice and an equinox.
"It's the ancient Celtic celebration of Imbolc, in honor of Brigit, the goddess of fire, poetry, healing and childbirth. Brigit brings the healing power of the sun back to the world on Imbolc, a day that carries the first promise of spring. Imbolc come fro the Old Irish I mbolg, meaning 'in the belly," because this is the time when ewes became pregnant to deliver spring lambs.
"The Christians took over the Celtic celebration and made February 2 into a Christian holiday, Candlemas Day. Candlemas celebrates the presentation of Jesus at the Temple exactly 40 days after Christmas. {This is also the day when candles were blessed for use throughout the year in the Church. In this way, the Church picked up the theme of returning light.}
"There are many old sayings about today--about the emergence of animals from their winer dens and omens that predict the season ahead. One English saying goes:
If Candlemas day be fair and bright,
Winter will have another flight.
But if Candlemas day bring clouds and rain,
Winter is gone and won't come again.
There was a tradition of many European countries of watching Animals--especially badgers--to wee how they acted on this day. If they returned to their dens, it meant that there was still a long winter ahead."
These customs are the origin of our Groundhog Day. In America, the folk in Punxuatawney, Pa wait to see if Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow. If he does, there will be six more weeks of winter. It's a safe prediction especially in that part of Pennsylvania.
I was going to offer a recipe for Groundhog stew from Elaine Light's Gourmets and Groundhogs. Kay didn't like the thought of old Phil ending up in a stewpot; so I offer instead, Elaine Light's recipe for Groundhog Cookies.Elaine doesn't say where to get the rodent-shaped cookie cutter.
GROUNDHOG COOKIES
(2 to 3 dozen medium to large cookies)
- 2 cups sifted flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon powdered ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 egg, slightly beaten
- Currants or cut up raisins
Sift together the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cloves and cinnamon. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy Blend in the molasses and egg yolk.
Gradually stir in the flour mixture and mix well. Form into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place small amounts of dough on a sheet of plastic wrap and cover with plastic wrap, leaving the dough you aren't using in the fridge until you need it. Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out the cookies using a lightly-floured cookie cutter. Place the cookies on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Brush with the slightly beaten egg. decorate with currant or raisin eyes. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Let cool slightly before removing from the cookie sheet.
(from "Groundhog Love'" in Penzeys One. Vol. 3, Issue 5, 2009)
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