the beginning of the end

it's february second, groundhog day here. with the widespread snowstorm raging outside, there's no way he'll see his shadow. he may not even be able to to burrow through all the snow to get to the surface!

today is one of four cross-quarter days of the year, this one mid-way between the winter solstice and the vernal equinox, the halfway point between winter and spring. the importance of this time of year in many cultures gives rise to celebrations today like candlemas, imbolc, st. brigid's day, lichun, and gŵyl y canhwyllau. although traditions vary greatly, the underlying significance of this day seems to involve the slow return of light and the anticipation of new life and spring. interesting how universally important it is for winter to come to an end. 

it seems somehow fitting that today is the day i find these birds outside my window, robins at the holly bushes, scavenging for berries. later in the day, i find more at the crabapple in the field. i wonder if this is indeed a sign of spring or just an indication of what a snowy winter we've been having.