SC - Introduction

[Alderton, Philippa]

>My co-chef who has only just got 'into' cooking , is really
>enthusiastic and she;'s already planning the next one...unfortunately I
>have not yet won her round to medieval cookery, but I will . The next
>one is themed "Groundhog day" (lisa's choice) - so we are planning to
>concentrate on American Pioneer cookery.... something I have never
>really studied before (also  i'm dragging lisa back through time
>slowly.....) , so any hints and tips are very welcome. BTW are there
>any specific foods associated with Groundhog day?
>karin

Not much on food ideas, but here are some excerpts from my book 
"366 Days of Celebrations, or, A Year Full of Reasons To Throw A Party"
by Christine Seelye-King:

FEBRUARY 1
Kalends of February - Ancient Rome - February was sacred to the God Mars
and the Goddess Juno, wife of Jupiter.  Special reverence was shown to
deceased ancestors as well as fertility of the people and the land. 
Ceremonies included rebirth and agricultural elements.  
Imbolc - Celtic Festival, also called Oimealg.  Universal Celtic
Fertility Day. This holiday celebrates the first day of spring, when
Brigantia (Brigit), the goddess of all creative activity, rekindles the
fire of the earth, preparing the earth to bring forth new life in the
following months. Traditionally, tools of all kinds (agricultural,
household, smithing, etc.) are blessed by the Goddess at this time, as
well as household and smithy fires.  Talismans of rushes "Brigit's
Crosses" are made for household protection, and Celts would observe the
behavior of "Brigit's Snake" as it emerged from its hibernation, as this
would predict how much winter weather was left in the year.  (Ground Hog
Day origins) This holiday has largely been turned into St. Brigit's Feast
Day (See Below).
St. Bridgid's Feast Day (525) Patron Saint of Ireland, New Zealand,
Milkmaids, Cattle and Dairy Work, Fugitives, Nuns, Newborns, and Poultry
Raisers. Called " Mary of the Gael", she is buried with St. Patrick.
Numerous miracles are attributed to her, as well as the founding of many
churches, convents, and monasteries. (Coincidentally, the Goddess Brigit
was in Ireland when the Christians got there.)
FEB 2
Candlemas - 40 days after giving birth to Jesus, Mary took him to the
Temple in Jerusalem to present him to God. Celebrated with blessing
candles and a candlelit procession. Candles are blessed and placed on
altars. 
Ground Hog Day -- North America - Based on a Scottish couplet "If
Candlemas dawns bright and clear, there will be two winters that year".
Also "If Candlemas Day be dry and fair, The half o' winter's come and
mair, If Candlemas Day be wet and foul, The half o' winter was gone at
Youl".  Scottish, Irish, and Dutch immigrants to Pennsylvania believed
that if the weather was clear enough for a small mammal to see his
shadow, there would be two winters.  Weather prediction based on the
ground hog's ability to see his shadow or not-if he does, there will be
six more weeks of winter, if not, spring will soon arrive.

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