Candlemas, Candlemas Day and Candlemas Meaning

Candlemas Day - 2nd February

Candlemas Day is halfway between the shortest day of the year (21/22 December) and the Spring Equinox 21/22 March). 

Candlemas Meaning 

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 - Celestial Event

Candlemas Day is an important celestial day as it is halfway between the shortest day of the year (21/22 December) and the Spring Equinox 21/22 March). 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.

Modern-Day Candle Chandler and Candles Making Tutor

A Candle Chandler is a "maker and seller of wax candles and also soap".

We are an experienced modern-day candle chandler. We hand pour candles but also other fragrance items such as reed diffusers, tealights and wax melts. Our eco-friendly candles are made from sustainable and renewable plant-based candle waxes. All shipped in plastic free, recyclable packaging and carbon neutral shipping.

We are also candle making tutors for our candle making workshops, designed for complete beginners and those with some experience.

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 winds in the east on Candlemas Day, there it will stick till the first of May

Traditional Foods or Activities Associated with Candlemas Day

Candlemas Day is associated with several traditional foods, including crepes, pancakes, cakes, and tamales.

• Crepes and pancakes are considered the most traditional foods for Candlemas. In some parts of Europe, such as France, it is traditional to eat crepes on Candlemas. Each family member prepares and cooks a crepe while holding a coin in the other hand. The coins are then collected and kept in a bowl to bring prosperity and good luck for the coming year.
• Cakes, particularly grain-based cakes, are also traditional for Candlemas.
• In Mexico, Candlemas Day is associated with the tradition of eating tamales. This delicious dish is also present in other important festivities such as Christmas and is usually accompanied by a beverage called atole or hot chocolate.
• Irish potato pancakes called boxties are also a traditional food for Candlemas.

History of Eating Crepes or Pancakes on Candlemas Day

Crepes or pancakes are traditional foods for Candlemas Day in some parts of Europe, such as France, Belgium, and French-speaking Switzerland.

• One theory is that the round shape and golden color of crepes or pancakes represent the sun, which is returning after the dark winter months.
• Another theory is that the tradition of eating crepes or pancakes on Candlemas Day dates back to the custom of Vestal Virgins of ancient Rome. These virgins would prepare sacred cakes made of wheat and salt, which were then distributed to the people of Rome. The tradition of eating crepes or pancakes on Candlemas Day may have evolved from this custom.
• In France, it is traditional to eat crepes on Candlemas Day. Each family member prepares and cooks a crepe while holding a coin in the other hand. The coins are then collected and kept in a bowl to bring prosperity and good luck for the coming year.
• In some parts of Europe, such as Germany, pancakes are also traditional for Candlemas Day.

Overall, the tradition of eating crepes or pancakes on Candlemas Day has been around for centuries and is still celebrated in many parts of Europe today.

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.

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Last updated 17th January 2024