aka Candlemas

I wasn't sure if Groundhog-san was even going to bother coming out of his hole today in Naruko as we had our first heavy snowfall of the year last night. There was about 8 inches on top of my car this morning. However, the sun has since come out, though the snow is still falling. The groundhog is likely to be as confused (about the coming of spring) as my students were when I explained the holiday to them today...

Tomorrow, February 3rd, is 節分/"Setsubun" or 立春/"Risshun" in Japan, a day that marks the end of winter and the lunar year (February 4 is the midpoint between the winter solstice and the vernal equinox). Folks throw soybeans from their doorways to drive away evil spirits, and shout "Out with the devil, In with good fortune!". I suppose it makes as much sense as Groundhog Day.