This Little Light Of Mine ~ Gonna Let It Shine

The Germans believed that if a hibernating animal casts a shadow on Feb. 2 [the Christian holiday of Candlemas] winter will last another six weeks. If no shadow is seen, legend says spring will come early.

It's Official! Shadowy Legend Punxsutawney Phil says keep the fur, candles, and heaters - ruffled, aflame, and stoked - respectively. :o) Phil also reportedly squealed "I'm your son, Darth," while casting an unusual shadow upon the big rock this year.

PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA - APFeb 2, 2006 — Don't put those winter coats away just yet. The world's most famous weather prognosticating groundhog was roused from his burrow at 7:23 a.m. Thursday and saw his shadow, a sign that there'll be six more weeks of winter.

wikipedia: CANDLEMAS

Modern neopagans have argued that Candlemas is a Christianization of the Celtic Sabbat of Imbolc, which was celebrated in pre-Christian Europe (and especially the British Isles) at about the same time of year. This festival marked the mid-way point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox.

Candlemas (Russian: Sretenie, Spanish: Candelaria) is a Christian feast commemorating the purification of the Virgin Mary and the presentation of the infant Jesus in the Temple. The term "Candlemas" comes from the tradition set forth in the Roman Missal whereby the celebrant of the Mass on February 2nd blesses the candles for use during the year (said candles must be of beeswax).

The Wiki entry doesn't note *why* the beeswax, but guess it may be related to "purity" of the wax. hm.

11:33 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth [it] in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.

11:34 The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when [thine eye] is evil, thy body also [is] full of darkness.

11:35 Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.

11:36 If thy whole body therefore [be] full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.

[KJV Luke 11:33-36]