Huntsville Public Library

Today, Jan. 30, is St. Charles’ Day. King Charles I was executed today in 1649 under authority of parliament in the English Civil War. Whether or not Charles I was a martyr depends, of course, on your view of that conflict.

On this day America’s president during the Great Depression and the Second World War, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945) was born.  He is the only U.S. president to be elected to more than two terms, being elected in 1932 and re-elected in 1936, 1940, and 1944.  

The last week saw Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s birth (1756-1791) on Jan. 27 and Robert Burns’ (1759-1796) birthday.

When North Americans think of Feb. 2, it is as Ground Hog Day.

Did you know that in many countries it is celebrated as Candlemas or Candelaria in South America? It is a feast in both the Western and Orthodox Christian traditions.

In the New Testament it is said Mary presented Jesus to God in the temple in Jerusalem marking the traditional 40-day Jewish period of purification after birth.

The Gospel according to Luke indicates that a scholar Simeon held the child in his arms and said he would be “a light unto the gentiles.” From this the event is celebrated by the blessing of candles.

Like the later ancient Ground Hog Day tradition, the weather on Candlemas is said to foretell winter’s duration. As recounted in holidays, festivals, and celebrations of the world, third edition the English rhyme goes:

If Candlemas Day be dry and fair,

The half of winter’s to come and mair,

If Candlemas day be wet and foul,

The half of winter’s gone at Yule.

Candlemas was also one of the Quarter or Term Days in English legal history when rents were due and debts settled. The other Quarter Days are Beltane (1 May), Lammas (1 August) and Hallowmas (1 November).

Regardless of the ground hog’s shadow or the weather on Candlemas, the winter session of children’s programs at Huntsville library continues through the first week in March.

There are still some spaces free. Why not register your kids for the remaining stories and other fun?

Huntsville children’s librarian Sarah Mackenzie delivers a full range of reading readiness programs for preschoolers.

With a veteran player on hand to coach players Sarah hosts the after-school chess club Mondays for older kids (Grades 3 and above). Finally, she offers themed young readers’ events for six to 10-year-olds Thursdays.

To register or ask questions come into the library or phone and speak to Sarah McKenzie (789-5232, extension 3408).