Well, the good news, for those of us in the frozen parts of North America, is that winter is half over. Groundhog Day (February 2) falls around the time of an ancient cross-quarter day. That is, it is half-way between the winter solstice and the vernal equinox.
Meteorologically speaking, February marks the time of year (in my neck of the woods, anyway) that the earth is slowly beginning to hold on to a little more of the sun's heat each day. This is supposed to have started as soon as the days begin to get longer, but it takes a while for the earth with all its water and atmosphere to catch up.
I am saying this to make myself feel better.
I like the idea of the solstice, equinox and cross-quarter days. They obviously were more significant when more people relied on the weather and the seasons for their livelihood. It is interesting to note how many of our holidays fall around these seasonal markings. A festival of lights at the darkest time of the year...recognition of life, death and rebirth around the time of the vernal equinox...etc., probably not a coincidence.
The photo above is of a frozen Lake Erie. Thanks to my friend, the photographer, Judy.
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