Imbolc and A Cute Green Parade

I was tickled pink.  By a green parade.  On February 2.

I was walking along the waterfront, slowly making my way home.  When along came a small parade of kids and adults.  All dressed in various shades of green, some walking, some on bicycles decorated with leaves, flowers and balloons. Then, a little boy from the parade offered me and Toby a potted plant.  We were confused.  I asked: un regalo? a gift for us?  Yes.  Mom was watching proudly. Then a little girl offered us a cute little potted cactus.  Also a gift.  What was going on??

A kind waiter, Raul at Jeanie's, saw all this happen.  He told us the parade consisted of students, teachers, and parents from El Collegio Cristobal Colon (Christopher Columbus College), a local private school in Cozumel.  It was an initiative to green the island.  The kids were giving plants to lotsa people along their parade route. Delightful!!

Then I learned more. 

This happened on February 2. A day full of different meanings. For Catholics, it's called Candlemas, the day Mary presented Jesus at the Temple, 40 days after his birth, when she was pure & clean again. OK....  For Pagans, February 2 was called Imbolc, which means "in the belly", referring to the pregnant ewes who would soon birth their lambs.  It was the feast of Brigid, Goddess of Fire, Creativity, and Fertility.  Including fertility of the land.  The Church of Rome turned her into Saint Bridget, to control her image.  Hmmm...

February 2 is also midway between the winter and summer solstices. Groundhog day for many of us.  The day to hope for an early and prosperous spring.  Happy Imbolc to all!!

Pictures

1) Some of the kids in the parade.  Very sweet!

2) Popcorn plants!!!

3) How may ways can a cat ignore you???

4) Some of the beautiful green plants on the second patio level at my Cozumel house.  I barely used this space last year.  I've been enjoying it much more this year!

5) Toby showing off the new basket on his bicycle.  And his jungle man look!

6) A lady feeding the pigeons in the main square.  Fun!! 

7) A leaf cutter ant. I stay clear of them!

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