Early Arrival for Vernal Equinox 2012

Photo courtesy 123rf.com

Tuesday, March 20, was the 2012 Vernal or Spring Equinox, where the number of daylight and night hours are equal.  There are many spring equinox rituals and celebrations, such as attempting to stand an egg on its end.  Some gardeners believe that it is the best time to do spring planting, so I have several friends who have been unavailable since Tuesday as they are spending every spare minute in their gardens. 

This year spring made its earliest arrival since 1896.  For more information click here and click here.

What did you learn today?

History of Ground Hog Day

Photo courtesy 123rf.com

Ground Hog Day is celebrated only in the United States and Canada, but it evolved from Candlemas celebrations that originated in Europe.  In pre-Christian times, the Romans celebrated the Feast of Lights on February 1, which became Candlemas to the Christians on February 2, and eventually led to the founding of Ground Hog Day in Canada and the U.S.  The underlying reasons for all these celebrations had to do with forecasting the last weeks of winter weather and the viability of the coming spring and summer crops.  There were also religious reasons for celebrating Candlemas, which are quite interesting.  For more information click here.