Art, obsession, and identity
On February 2, exactly 40 days after Christmas, Candlemas takes place. It's a festival commemorating the presentation of Jesus to the Temple.
Often local churches hand out candles, or people bring their own, to be blessed. The candles serve as a symbol of Jesus Christ, who referred to himself as the Light of the World.
The festival also marks the purification of the Virgin Mary after childbirth, according to Mosaic law. The Gospel of Luke says that Jesus was met by Anna, a prophetess, and Simeon, the God-receiver.
In Christian communities, Candlemas is regarded as a day of purification, renewal, and hope. It's called Candlemas (Candle Mass) after the activities associated with the feast.
In Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches, the procession into the church for Mass commemorates Christ's entrance into the temple—a very moving and pious spectacle.
Traditionally on Candlemas night, devotees place lighted candles in their windows at home.
But like some Christian festivals, Candlemas draws a few of its elements from Paganism. In fact, Candlemas can be seen as a church "adaptation" of a pagan goddess holiday called Imbolc, where people light candles to banish evil spirits.
The Feast of the Presentation of Jesus Christ (another name for Candlemas) is one of the oldest feasts of the Christian church, celebrated since the 4th century CE in Jerusalem.
Imbolc is a Gaelic traditional festival, also called Saint Brigid's Day after Brigid of Kildare, the patroness saint of Ireland. It's celebrated in the evening of February 1 and ends at sundown on February 2. The Brigid's cross (pictured), consisting of rushes woven into a four-armed equilateral cross, is highly symbolic of the festival.
In pre-Christian times, Candlemas would have been known as the festival of light. This ancient gathering marked the mid point of winter, half way between the winter solstice (shortest day) and the spring equinox.
As the festival evolved over the centuries, various traditions developed around Candlemas.
Candlemas was the day when some cultures predicted weather patterns. Indeed, people believed that Candlemas foretold the weather for the rest of the winter.
A traditional old English weather proverb reads: "If Candlemas Day be fair and bright, winter will have another fight. If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain, winter won't come again."
Animals have traditionally been used to forecast weather patterns. The weather lore originates in German-speaking areas of Europe, where the badger is the forecasting creature. Accordingly, badgers emerging from hibernation will immediately return for another sleep if it is sunny on Candlemas Day because they know the winter will continue. They do this because they spot their own shadow being cast over the ground by the sun.
These various traditions and superstitions traveled to the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries with the Pennsylvania Dutch—immigrants from Germanic-speaking areas of Europe.
Groundhog Day is observed annually in the United States and Canada on February 2. The Groundhog Day ceremony held at Punxsutawney in western Pennsylvania is the most famous, when a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil is tasked with predicting a prolonged winter or an early spring.
However, rather than rely on the badger to forecast the weather, the Pennsylvania Dutch communities called upon a native North American mammal to do the honors—the groundhog.
Other superstitions surrounding Candlemas include that of a candle dripping on one side when carried into church. If this mishap occurs, it denotes the death of a family member during the year.
Similarly, snowdrop flowers are considered unlucky if brought into a house before Candlemas Day. To do so symbolizes a parting or death. On the day, however, the flowers, often describes as Candlemas Bells, are welcomed and regarded by many Christians as a symbol of Jesus Christ being the hope for the world.
Candlemas is celebrated in various ways in different parts of the world. In France, for example, the festival is known as La Chandeleur. On this occasion, crêpes are a traditional food. They are also enjoyed in Belgium and in French-speaking regions of Switzerland.
In Luxembourg, they maintain a delightful tradition known as Liichtmëssdag, where youngsters holding lighted lanterns roam the streets in small groups singing traditional songs at each house or store in exchange for token gifts.
Candlemas is also known as Candelaria in Spanish-speaking countries. The Virgin of Candelaria or Our Lady of Candelaria celebrates the Virgin Mary on the Canary island of Tenerife.
The Virgin of Candelaria is the patron saint of the city of Puno in Peru. Candelaria celebrated here is one of the most colorful and extravagant festivals of culture, music, and dancing in Peru, and one of the largest in South America.
In Mexico, celebrating Candelaria includes indulging in family meals where the principal serving is tamale, a traditional dish made with a corn-based dough mixture that is filled with various meats or beans and cheese and wrapped and cooked in corn husks or banana leaves.
In Puerto Rico, Candelaria officially marks the end of the Christmas period. Again, festivities include a procession where the statue of the Virgin of Candelaria is carried on the shoulders.
Sources: (BBC) (The Guardian) (Catholic Answers) (Project Britain)
See also: Around the world in this seasons' winter festivals
In Swedish and Finnish Lutheran churches, Candlemas has always been celebrated on a Sunday, at the earliest on February 2 and at the latest on February 8. It's a custom that's existed since the mid-18th century and only deviates if Sunday happens to be the last Sunday before Lent.
While it is customary for Christians in some countries to remove their Christmas decorations on Twelfth Night, those in other Christian countries historically remove them after Candlemas.
A tradition dating back centuries and still carried out during La Chandeleur is to flip the crêpes in the air, ideally with the right hand while holding a gold coin in the left hand. Dexterity and pious conformity are required in order to follow the custom as described.
Candlemas takes place on February 2. It's a day that falls exactly 40 days after Christmas and commemorates the ritual purification of Mary and the presentation of the baby Jesus to God in the Temple at Jerusalem. It's celebrated in various ways in different parts of the world, but what are the cultural origins of this traditional ceremony?
Click through and learn more about the significance of Candlemas.
What's the significance of Candlemas?
Today is Candlemas Day
LIFESTYLE Religion
Candlemas takes place on February 2. It's a day that falls exactly 40 days after Christmas and commemorates the ritual purification of Mary and the presentation of the baby Jesus to God in the Temple at Jerusalem. It's celebrated in various ways in different parts of the world, but what are the cultural origins of this traditional ceremony?
Click through and learn more about the significance of Candlemas.