She also gives blessings to women who are about to marry. Women still bear her name on their wedding day to honor her. On the feast day, Bridget would visit and bless homes. In the British Isles, spring is already on its way. Flower buds are poking through and the greenery is returning.
Milk begins to flow in the udders of cows and sheep as they ready for the birth of their offspring.
Older pagan names for Candlemas include Imbolc and Oimelc. In some countries it was believed that some type of burrowing animal, a hedgehog was popular, would come out on Bridget's Day to judge the quality of the weather. Thus Groundhogs' Day was born. If the groundhog sees his shadow we will have six more weeks of winter. To sway pagans towards the Catholic Church, Bridget was sainted and Candlemas became a time when the candles that were used throughout the year where blessed by the church.