During the big snowstorm here last week (some refer to it as "snowmageddon"), I heard a song sparrow singing away. What an interesting contrast with the thick white landscape and then the sound of spring!  It was a reminder that February 2 is just around the corner- my favorite day. To many folks February 2 is Groundhog day- the superstition of how many more weeks of winter we will have based on some poor captive groundhog yanked out of his cave.

I recognize February 2 as Candlemas, also called Imbolc or St. Brigid, in the Pagan calendar- the 6 week mark between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. Candlemas was considered the beginning of spring in some customs. In the Pacific Northwest it's when the days become noticeably longer, the birds attempt to sing, and many native shrubs and trees show emerging  life-leaf buds ready to burst and catkins hanging down dispersing pollen. Once this date comes, I know it's an easy slide into spring when the glorious return of the birds and greens and light return in earnest. Yes, I think maybe February 2 is the first day of Spring in the Pacific Northwest.

I found this interesting website with further details about February 2- http://www.schooloftheseasons.com/candlemas.html