Groundhog Day
This day is a popular North American tradition observed in the USA and Canada. It derives from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerging from its burrow on this day sees its shadow due to clear weather, it will retreat to its den and Winter will persist for six more weeks; but if it does not see its shadow because of cloudiness, Spring will arrive early. The tradition has been going since 1887 in Punxsutawney in western Pennsylvania, centring on a semi-mythical groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil, and is well attended and shown live all over the world. He comes out of his burrow at 7.25 a.m. Eastern Time with live coverage usually starting at 6 a.m. There is a programme of events over the week including members of the Inner Circle who help organise the event. It is based on the Christian festival Candlemas (see below).
The website for Punxsutawney Phil is here.
Candlemas
This is a Christian Holy Day commemorating the presentation of Jesus in Luke 2:22-40. In accordance with Leviticus 12: a woman was to be purified by presenting a lamb as a burnt offering, and either a young pigeon or dove as sin offering, 33 days after a boy’s circumcision. It falls on 2nd February for Jesus, and this is the conclusion of the Christmas-Epiphany season. People in some Christian countries remove their Christmas decorations on Candlemas. Many Christians bring their candles to their local church where they are blessed and then used for the rest of the year. These serve as a symbol of Jesus Christ, who referred to Himself as the Light of the World.
Philippines Constitution Day
This day was proclaimed on 29th January 1988 to mark the anniversary of the ratification of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which was approved by the 1986 Constitutional Commission on 12th October the year before. It was put into force on 11th February 1987. This constitution had established the Philippine as a democratic and republican state.
World Ostrich Day
This day was created in 2020 to celebrate the biggest bird on the planet on a date that reflects their unique adaption of having two toes on each foot.
World Wetlands Day
This day marks the date of the adoption of the Convention of Wetlands on 2nd February 1971, in the Iranian City of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea. The day raises awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and our planet. Wetlands are land areas that are saturated or flooded with water either permanently or seasonally. There is a different theme each year, and this year’s theme shines a spotlight on wetlands as a source of freshwater and encourages actions to restore them and stop their loss. The campaign this year highlights the contribution of wetlands to the quantity and quality of freshwater on our planet. Water and wetlands are connected in an inseparable co-existence that is vital to life, our wellbeing and the health of our planet.
Holidays & Special Events 