February

The month of purification amongst the ancient Romans. (Latin, februo, to purify by sacrifice.)

The 2nd of February

(Candlemas Day). It is said, if the weather is fine and frosty at the close of January and beginning of February, we may look for more winter to come than we have seen up to that time.

Si sol splendescat Mari'a Purificantë,
Major erit glaciës post festum quam fuit ante.

Sir T. Browne:Vulgar Errors.

If Candlemas Day be dry and fair,
The half O' winter's come and mair;
If Candlemas Day be wet and foul,
The half O' winter was gane at Youl.

Scotch Proverb.

“The badger peeps out of his hole on Candlemas Day, and, if he finds snow, walks abroad; but if he sees the sun shining he draws back into his hole.” —German Proverb.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894

Fecit

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February

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