Many countries in Europe celebrate Carnival, or Fasching, on this day. Dreary weather can attract pesky spirits who make people feel tired or depressed. When all is cold and dark outside, Fasching encourages us to make merry indoors - that is, to host or attend a party, or to wear colorful costumes. Two favorite characters are the Witch Mother who pelts people with handfuls of grain, and the Spitzer who squirts everyone with water. Both bring fertility and abundance. Drive away further winter doldrums with noisemakers and by singing:

Down is up, up is down!
Clown is king, king is clown!
Come feast and dance,
Come laugh and play!
Come one and all, on
Fasching Day!