February Holidays – Celebrate With Food

February Holidays Celebrate With Food Image

Around the world there are 38 holidays in February. In the United States we observe four holidays although only one is actually a national holiday. Lincoln's and Washington's birthdays used to be observed separately, but were finally grouped together into one holiday known as President's Day. President's Day is the legal holiday and all federal offices are closed as are most schools and city offices.

Other days which may be observed in February in the United States are Groundhog Day and Valentine's Day. Groundhog Day is observed on February 2nd in the United States and Canada. Folklore has it that if the groundhog comes out of his burrow and cannot see his shadow then spring is not far behind. if he can see his shadow then he retreats back to his burrow and winter will continue for another six weeks. Groundhog Day originated with the Pennsylvania German population and continues to this day. There are events observing Groundhog Day in some areas, but the biggest event occurs in Punxsutawney Pennsylvania. at this event, only the Pennsylvania German dialect is to be spoken and anyone who utters English words has to pay a penalty in the form of small coin for each word spoken in English. The fines are put into a bowl in the middle of the table.

This would be a good day to introduce your family to some German food, which although at times can be heavy, is also very tasty and is great for cold weather which is prevalent in most states in the month of February.

Even though President's Day is meant to celebrate both Lincoln's and Washington's birthday, there are still observances of Lincoln's birthday, especially in the schoolroom. There are differing sources that pertain to the foods that Abraham Lincoln liked to eat, but most confer that Lincoln ate because he had to, unlike many of those of us today who eat not only because we need to but because we derive immense pleasure from the foods which we eat. Many of us are very particular about what we eat. There are some who like Lincoln, eat because of the need and then there are those of us who don't like eating anything that does not give us psychological pleasure as well as nutritional sustenance.

It is said that Lincoln loved a good cup of coffee and for breakfast he usually ate an egg and some bacon with his coffee. as a boy growing up, Corn Cakes were a staple in the Lincoln household. one of the dishes that he liked as an adult was Chicken Fricassee. Since Lincoln grew up in a log cabin, one item that can be made for Lincoln's Birthday is a rolled chocolate cake which is meant to look like a log. these are sometimes done for the Christmas holidays in the form of a Yule Log, but which is also a perfect dessert for Lincoln's birthday.

After Lincoln's birthday on February 12th, comes Valentine's Day which is probably celebrated around the world in many countries. Valentine's Day was originally a Pagan Holiday, but which is now named after St. Valentine. The saying goes that when he was in prison awaiting his death, he fell in love with the jailer's daughter and sent her love notes signed with 'Your Valentine' and that is how the name Valentine's Day came to be. Flowers, candy and jewelry have come to synonymous with Valentine's Day, thereby creating a profitable business for the purveyors of these good. Restaurant reservations usually have to be made well in advance. Valentine's Day is also a busy day for marriage proposals.

It has also become customary for school children to exchange valentines with their classmates. one way to observe Valentine's Day with your children is to make heart-shaped cookies and frost and decorate them with pink, red and white frosting and sugar sprinkles. Of course, chocolate is another way to say 'I love you' as most of the people around the world love chocolate and chocolate hearts are sold in candy stores on this day.

George Washington's Birthday is usually observed on President's Day which is the 3rd Monday in February. Before the advent of President's Day Washington's Birthday was observed on February 22nd which is the day he was born according to the Gregorian Calendar. Washington was actually born when the Julian Calendar was used and his Birthday then was February 11. When Washington was 21 years old, the calendars were changed and so was his birthday. Growing up we were all told the stories about Washington and how he could not tell a lie. The story (which it turns out, was just a story) about him chopping down the Cherry Tree became so attached to Washington that one of the desserts we often make on Washington's Birthday is Cherry Pie. George Washington did like Cherry Pie and it was often on the menu at Mt. Vernon, Washington's home. Other foods that he liked were Sweet Potatoes, String Beans with Almonds (today known as Green Beans Almandine, Steak and Kidney Pie and fish. and like Lincoln, George Washington also ate Corn Cakes. In addition to Cherry Pie a favorite dessert was what we know today as trifle. Trifle is an English dessert made with sponge cake, fruit, pudding and whipped cream.

No matter which of the February Holidays that you may or may not observe, do try and make a new dish which might evoke some memories, not only of these holidays but of your heritage also.

February Holidays – Celebrate With Food

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