In old Slovenia February 1st was the first day of the year. It is the day that winter is broken and the thought of spring is possible. In mythology the twin God/Goddess Jarilo and Marana are born. Their story will follow the seasons throughout the year.
The single men will dress as Kurentij ( picture By Ioscius via Wikimedia Commons) and wear sheepskin coats with big hoods over their heads and face and cowbells around their waist. They hold wooden clubs called ježevke, with hedgehog skins attached at one end. They dance making a loud noise to let winter know its time is over and spring is on the way.
How I wish I lived somewhere where the passage of time and seasons was marked in visible, and even fun, ways.
It was interesting to me to read about the Balkan celebration of this feast; I had only known about the Celtic tradition of Imbolc. Like you, Lisa, I wish I lived where we celebrated this turnings of the seasons. I am going to make it a point of doing so with some friends from now on.