Boaters rejoice.
Saturday, February 2, is (in the olde tradition) "Midwinter's day." It
is halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.

The ancient holiday of E-molc (spelled Imbloc) celebrated February 2
is one of the fire festivals, and denotes the point of the year where
the Goddess changes from aged crone to young virgin. It is also the
day to celebrate Brigid's Day, or (for those who prefer) St. Brigid's
Day.
The Celtic Goddess Brigid oversees all handcraft, smithcraft, dairy,
poetry and midwifery.

The Catholic Saint Brigid was believed to live in Ireland in the 5th
Century. She founded a monastery, and was involved in some miracles.
Coincidentally, the Catholics consider her the saint of smiths, poets,
and midwives.

February 2nd is also 40 days from Christmas Eve. Under ancient Jewish
law a woman was required to undergo "purification" for 40 days
following birth. Mary''s purification would have been up on
Midwinter's Day.

Another coincidence; during the Roman Catholic celebration of
Candlemas (observed on Feb.2) the congregation parades with lighted
candles to represent the entry of Christ, the Light of the World, into
Jerusalem. (Source: The Catholic Enyclopedia: Candlemas). Those
celebrating E-molc light every lamp in a house or light candles in
each room to signify the sun's rebirth. Some women celebrants wear
crowns of lighted candles.

But for everybody else who could give a schlitzel; "Happy Groundhog
Day!" We're officially halfway to spring on Saturday. :-)