Job Shadow Day
On Job Shadow Day, "Students 'shadow' professionals during a normal work day to gain a first-hand look at the skills, knowledge and education required to succeed in a career. Students shadow professionals," according to Boston Private Industry Council. Job shadowing gives students first-hand information about job skills needed for a chosen career path. Students may gain experience handling telephone calls, computers, office equipment or presentation software.
Groundhog Day
It's no coincidence Job Shadow Day occurs on the Groundhog Day. Groundhog Day stems from other, older traditions. On Groundhog Day, we wait in anticipation to learn if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow. According to this folk holiday, if he sees his shadow, we're in for six more weeks of winter. The holiday stems from the ancient Roman holiday, Hedgehog Day, according to Hedgehog Central. If the hedgehog came out from hibernation and saw his shadow in the moonlight, there would be six more weeks of winter. Hedgehogs are not indigenous to North America, so the native groundhog took his place.
* Watch "Groundhog Day" with Bill Murray. More than a comedy, the movie digs deeper and brings Murray on a moral journey.
Candlemas
Feb. 2 is Candlemas, a holiday celebrated by the Catholic Church to commemorate the presentation of Jesus in the Temple and the purification of Mary. Per Mosaic law, "A mother who had given birth to a man-child was considered unclean for seven days" and she "was to remain three and 30 days 'in the blood of her purification.' When the time (40 or 80 days) was over the mother was to 'bring to the temple a lamb for a holocaust and a young pigeon or turtle dove for sin' ... the priest prayed for her and so she was cleansed," according to the Catholic Encyclopedia.
On the holiday candles are blessed. The holiday also marks the official end of the Christmas liturgical season. So if you still haven't taken down your Christmas tree, you should now.
Imbolc
Candlemas is celebrated on the 40th day after the Jesus was born. Imbolc, a Pagan holiday celebrated on the same day, marks the recovery of the Goddess after giving birth to the sun. "It is the time of blessing of the seeds and consecration of agricultural tools. ... It is the festival of the Maiden, for from this day to March 21, it is her season to prepare for growth and renewal. Brighid's snake emerges from the womb of the Earth Mother to test the weather, (the origin of Groundhog Day)," according to The Celtic Connection.
Crepes Day
Crepes are the traditional food associated with "Candlemas and Shrove Tuesday, as symbols of good fortune and family life," according to Foodtimeline. Crepes are thin pancakes made of eggs, flour, sugar, salt and butter. These are ingredients found in most home kitchens, so you can celebrate by making easy crepes for breakfast or crepes for dinner.
More crepe recipes:
* Chocolate crepes with orange and chocolate sauce
* Chicken-Filled crepe party purses
* Chicken and spinach crepes
