2nd February is Candlemas Day.

This ancient festival marks the midpoint of winter, halfway between the shortest day and the spring equinox.

In olden times, many people used to say that the Christmas season lasted for forty days - until the second day of February. 

It was the day of the year when all the candles were brought into church and a blessing was said over them - so it was the Festival Day (or 'mass') of the Candles.

Candles were important in those days not only because there was no electric lights.

Some people thought they gave protection against plague and illness and famine. 

Before Jesus came to earth, it was as if everyone was 'in the dark'. People often felt lost and lonely.

Christians often talk of Jesus as 'the light of the World' - and candles are lit during church services to remind Christians of this

.

Groundhog Day is a holiday celebrated on February 2nd in the United States and Canada.

According to folklore, if it is cloudy when a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day, it will leave the burrow,

signifying that winter will soon end.

If it is sunny, the groundhog will supposedly see its shadow and retreat back into its burrow,

and winter will continue for six more weeks.