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Candlemas Day - 2nd February
Candlemass Day
Candlemass Day, also known as the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary or the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus Christ, is a Christian holiday celebrated annually on February 2nd. The holiday is marked by the blessing of candles, which symbolise the arrival of Jesus as the "light of the world". Ancient folklore foretells that the worst of winter is over. In both heathen and Christian calendars, it is a day for lighting candles and celebrating the return of the light.
In many cultures, the weather on Candlemass Day has been traditionally used for forecasting the weather for the rest of the winter. If the day is sunny and warm, it is believed that the rest of the winter will be mild, while a cold and snowy day is seen as a sign of a harsh winter to come. However, it is important to note that these forecasts are not scientifically based and should not be relied upon as an accurate predictor of the weather.
Candlemas in the Europe and the USA
In Europe, Candlemas is more widely recognised, especially in countries with a strong Catholic or Eastern Orthodox tradition, such as Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Greece, and Russia. The feast is commemorated by the lighting of candles, which symbolize the arrival of Jesus as the light of the world, as well as by special prayers and services, processions, and cultural traditions, such as the "Candelora" in Italy or the "Día de la Candelaria" in Spain. In some countries, it is also customary to bless candles on Candlemas and to use them for devotional purposes throughout the year. In the USA, Candlemas is not a widely recognised holiday, but it is observed by some churches and religious communities, especially among those with a strong Catholic tradition.
Christian Festival
Candlemas is a traditional Christian festival 40 days after the birth of Jesus Christ. It is also known as the
- Feast of the Presentation of Jesus Christ
- Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary
On this day, Christians remember the presentation of Jesus Christ in the Temple. Forty days after the birth of a Jewish boy, it was the custom to take him to the temple in Jerusalem to be presented to God by his thankful parents.
It was the day of the year when all the candles that would be used in the church during the coming year, were brought into church and were blessed. It would become known as the festival of candles, or Candlemas Day.
Candlemas Weather Rhymes and Proverbs
All the rhymes and proverbs are weather related. Basically, if the weather is sunny or good, the rest of the winter would be bad. If the weather was wet or windy, fair weather was coming.
- "If Candlemas Day be fair and bright, Winter will have another fight. If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain, winter won't come again", is perhaps the best known.
- When Candlemas Day comes fierce and rough, Winter is gone far enough. When Candlemas Day comes bright and clear, the worst of the winter is to appear.
- If Candlemas Day is fair and fine, the worst of winter is left behind.
- If the wind's in the east on Candlemas Day, there it will stick till the first of May
About FelinFach
Our company is located in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Our ethos is defined in the three words, NATURAL TRADITIONAL HANDMADE.
- Hand woven Welsh blankets and the iconic Welsh tapestry blankets
- Hand dyed yarn, dyed with natural dyes only
- Chandlery, handmade candles and wax melts burners
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Last update 2nd February 2023
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