Candlemas

Candlemas is a Christian festival observed on 2 February, commemorating the presentation of Jesus at the Temple and the ritual purification of Mary. Celebrated in many countries including Spain, France, Belgium, Hungary, and the Philippines, it marks the close of the Christmas–Epiphany season and features the blessing of candles for the year ahead.

• Candles are blessed in church and used throughout the year
• In France and Belgium, people make and flip crêpes for good luck
• Hungarian children dress as bears and light candles
• Marks the end of the Christmas–Epiphany season
• Linked to weather lore and the origins of Groundhog Day

What it is

Candlemas, also called the Feast of the Presentation, is a significant day for many Christians, recalling the moment when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem, as described in the Gospel of Luke. The festival is closely tied to the themes of light and purification, with candles symbolizing Jesus as the 'Light of the World.' For many, it marks the end of the Christmas season, and its rituals serve as a reminder of hope and renewal during the winter months.

Where it comes from

Candlemas is one of Christianity's oldest feasts, with celebrations in Jerusalem recorded as early as the 4th century. Its date, 2 February, falls forty days after Christmas, reflecting the biblical tradition of purification. Over time, the festival spread from Jerusalem to other parts of the Christian world. In the West, it became associated with the blessing of candles and local customs, while in the Canary Islands, it took on a Marian character after the discovery of an image of the Virgin Mary. The festival also absorbed or coincided with earlier seasonal and agricultural traditions in Europe.

How it is celebrated

On Candlemas, Christians often bring candles to church to be blessed, a practice especially common among Catholics, Orthodox, Lutherans, and Anglicans. These candles are then kept at home and used throughout the year as symbols of Christ's light. In France and Belgium, the day is marked by making and eating crêpes or pancakes, sometimes with rituals involving coins for good luck. In Hungary, children may dress as bears and light candles, with folklore predicting the weather based on whether bears see their shadows. In Germany, Candlemas once marked the start of the farming year and the end of winter work by artificial light, with various proverbs and customs tied to the day.

Joining in

Visitors can experience Candlemas in churches across Europe and Latin America, where the blessing of candles is a central ritual. In France and Belgium, joining in the making of crêpes is a tasty way to take part, while in Hungary, local folklore events and children's costumes add a festive touch. Expect a blend of solemn church services and lively family or community traditions, often with a focus on light, warmth, and the hope for spring.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Candlemas, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Candlemas on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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