Welcome to February 1st, the first day of spring! In Ireland anyway.
“Today, 1 February, marks the first day of spring in the Gaelic calendar. Traditionally, in Ireland spring is celebrated on February first, having been known as Imbolc in ancient times and coinciding with St Brigid’s Day, a day celebrating Ireland’s only female patron saint. While spring does not officially start for a number of weeks, most people in Ireland will still celebrate St Brigid’s Day as the symbolic end to the winter, with masses of schoolchildren usually weaving St Brigid’s Crosses to mark the day. The Celtic festival of Imbolc lands halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, and is one of four Gaelic seasonal festivals, the other three being Bealtaine, Lughnasadh and Samhain.”
It’s sort of springlike today. It’s sunny and above freezing here in Guelph, 3 C!
Yes, we are on the verge of a “multi-day snow event” but for now it’s sunny and warm and I’m thinking of spring.
In a mood of possible reckless optimism I just booked a trip to Vancouver in April. I decided I would go even if the conference is moved online.
I’ve also started getting ready for the bike rally in August. You can sponsor me here. Please!
Photos of bike rallies past:
I didn’t need a bike light to see on the way to work this morning. Almost like spring (but I know better than to get carried away with that).