27 Jan 2005
Pagan Public Rites

Last October I mentioned the modern revival of the ancient practice of pouring libations for the dead. But we've had a thinly disguised pagan divination ritual for many years in this country - Groundhog Day. It was known as Imbloc to Celts and Wiccans, Disting or Charming the Plow to Heathens and Lupercalia to the Romans. After the advent of the Eastern Stranger, the Catholics appropiated it as "Candlemas" - but the ancient rites lived on.

February 2nd (one week from today) is the midpoint between the Winter Solistace and the Spring Equinox - it's still a "Quarter Day" in Scotland, when baronial courts are open and debts are settled.

I find it fascinating that the good citizens of Lexington, North Carolina, have decided to add a sacral feast to the proceedings - after the divination rite, of course. What could be more heathen than that?

AP - A 65-pound pot-bellied pig will be called into forecasting duty when Lexington celebrates "Groundhawg's Day" on Feb. 2. The city is famous for its pork barbecue.

(link) [Yahoo! News: Top Stories]

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