The snowdrop or Candlemas daisy

The snowdrop or in French the Perce-neige (they often pierce the snow) is associated with Candlemas or the presentation of Jesus in the temple and the purification of the virgin Mary.The flowers' whiteness symbolising her purity and also the pain she will suffer.  When My first baby, a girl,  was Christened, along with a number of other babies, The mothers underwent a 'purification':  prayers were said over us.  This didn't happen with the other three so I think the custom has died out.

In France we eat pancakes on "la Chandleur" (une chandelle is a candle) The custom goes back to primitive times the round yellow pancake being like the orb of the sun.  The celebration of the coming of Spring and the lengthening of the days! The 2 February is the midpoint between the winter solstice and the Spring equinox.  

Course in France you are supposed to hold a golden Louis (coin) in one hand as you hold the pan in the other to toss the first pancake.  If you successfully catch it you are assured of money during the forthcoming year!!

There are many more interesting customs etc.  I found this website that is beautiful and interesting!

Today is a palindromic date:  02022020 !  Apparently we'll all be dead before the next one according to Ro!  

Why do I offer this in Mono? Because I am hoping to do a mono February along with Skeena and a number of other blippers!  I forgot yesterday!

Wishing you all a very happy February!