Homstrom

Homstrom

First Sunday in FebruaryHomstrom is a Swiss festival celebrating the end of winter. In many ways, it is reminiscent of the February 1 mid-winter festival observed by the ancient Celts, known as Imbolc. One tradition associated with the day is the burning of a straw man who symbolizes Old Man Winter. It is occasionally observed by Swiss-American communities on the first Sunday in February.
CONTACTS:
Switzerland Tourism
Swiss Ctr., 608 Fifth Ave.
New York, NY 10020
877-794-8037 or 212-757-5944; fax: 212-262-6116
www.myswitzerland.com
SOURCES:
RelHolCal-2004, p. 271
(c)