after Nunc dimittis) Ich habe genug, BWV 82, 1727 Traditions and superstitions As the poem by Robert Herrick records, the eve of Candlemas was the day on which Christmas decorations of greenery were removed from people's homes; for traces of berries, holly and so forth will bring death among the congregation before another year is out. In Scotland, until a change in the law in 1991 (see Scottish term days), and in much of northern England until the 18th century, Candlemas was one of the traditional quarter days when quarterly rents were due for payment, as well as the day or term for various other business transactions, including the hiring of servants. In the United Kingdom, good weather at Candlemas is taken to indicate severe winter weather later: "If Candlemas Day is clear and bright, / winter will have another bite. / If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain, / winter is gone and will not come again." It is also alleged to be the date that bears emerge from hibernation to inspect the weather as well as wolves, who if they choose to return to their lairs on this day is interpreted as meaning severe weather will continue for another forty days at least. The same is true in Italy, where it is called . The Carmina Gadelica, a seminal collection of Scottish folklore, refers to a serpent coming out of the mound on Latha Fheill Bride, as the Scots call Candlemas. This rhyme is still used in the West Highlands and Hebrides. . (Early on Bride's morn, the serpent will come from the hollow I will not molest the serpent, nor will the serpent molest me) . (The serpent will come from the hollow on the brown day of Bridget Though there should be three feet of snow on the flat surface of the ground) In the United States, Candlemas coincides with Groundhog Day, the earliest American reference to which can be found at the Pennsylvania Dutch Folklore Center at Franklin and Marshall College. The reference implies that Groundhog Day may have come from a German-American Candlemas tradition: In France and Belgium, Candlemas () is celebrated with crêpes. In Italy, traditionally, it () is considered the last cold day of winter. In Tenerife (Spain), it is the day of the Virgin of Candelaria (Saint Patron of the Canary Islands). In Southern and Central Mexico, and Guatemala City, Candlemas