Sunday, January 24, 2015 - 1:00-5:00 pm

1:30 pm: Historian Kevin Wright will give an illustrated talk on “18th Country Taverns, a practical guide to Early American Hospitality.” Zabriskie-Steuben House.

3:00 pm: Ardis Cavin on Celtic harp with story and song. Zabriskie-Steuben House.

Demonstration of the 18th century craft of candle-making using authentic materials including lard in the Outkitchen.

Brigit’s Day and Candlemas come midway between the winter solstice and spring equinox, when snowdrops, the first flower of spring, make their appearance, signaling nature’s awakening from winter’s sleep. Candlemas is named for the blessing of candles, used to protect homes and for procession through farm field and orchard. As evidenced by Groundhog’s Day, weather prognostication was commonly practiced in anticipation of spring sowing. Good weather at Candlemas is taken to indicate severe winter weather later. Hence, the saying, “If Candlemas Day is bright and clear, there'll be two winters in the year. Another old English proverb proclaimed, “If Candlemas be fair and bright, winter has another flight. If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, winter will not come again.” Rush crosses, woven for Brigid’s Day, were believed to protect house and livestock from adversity.

Some of the Society’s treasure of Revolutionary War artifacts are on display. All 3 Jersey-Dutch Houses will be open, connected by a gravel walking path through the historic battleground.

Event takes place in Historic New Bridge Landing, 1201 Main St, River Edge, NJ 07661. $10 adult, $7 children, BCHS members free.

An individual membership is $20, most of our events are free to BCHS members, some are discounted.

Free parking is available or take a train on the Pascack Valley Line from Secaucus via NJ Transit to the New Bridge Landing stop.