Candlemas Day - Other Candle Celebration Days

Candlemas Day - 2nd February

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. We celebrate Candlemas Day each year with a special Chandlery range of handmade candles, reed diffusers, tealights and wax melts.

Modern-Day Candle Chandler - Candles on Candlemas Day

A Candle Chandler? - "a maker and seller of tallow, wax candles, and also usually soap".

We are a modern-day candle chandler, hand pouring soy 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 and many of our candles have wooden wicks to create that delightful candle wick crackling.

Candlemas Day - 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 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.

Other National or International Candle Celebration Days

World Candle Day - 1st March

World candle day is a joint initiative between the Latin American Candle Manufacturer Association and the European Candle Manufacturers Association.

World Candle Month - September

September marks World Candle Month, a celebration established by the USA national Candle Association (NCA) to bring to light the various ways candles enrich our daily lives. Every year, candle lovers come together from around the world to participate. World Candle Month serves as one of the many ways NCA encourages industry collaboration to promote global candle sales and bring awareness to the benefits of candles

International Scented Candle Day - 1st November

If you’re a lover of scented candles, you’re in luck because they now have their own day. Scented Candle Day is dedicated to enjoying the happiness and relaxation benefits that scented candles bring to our home.

Nothing helps you wind down better than the fragrances from a scented candle in the home and you should make the most of them on Scented Candle Day if you don’t already.

Worldwide Candle Lighting Day - 11th December 2022

For hundreds of years, lighting a candle has been a way to show respect for those that have died. This beautiful gesture shows that although someone may be gone from this world, their memory will endure, and the light of their flame will continue to inspire and guide others. Worldwide Candle Lighting Day is a celebration of solidarity and memory. It’s a day on which people around the world gather to light candles for children who have died and to show that they will always be loved and never forgotten. The candles are lit at the same time in every time zone, meaning that a consistent warm glow passes around the planet for a full 24-hour day.

Candles and Soapery - Knowledge Base and Customer Support Portal

Extensive Candle-Care Resources all in One Place

If you need the full low-down on our chandlery, candle and soapery products, we’ve got all the details and information you’ll need in our Knowledge Base. Browse through these articles and experience all your candle-care resources in one place, click here... 

Candle Safety

It is always important to treat your 3 wick candles safely and with care. Please note the follow candle care advice... 

• Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Place candles on a stable surface away from flammable objects.
• Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
• Extinguish candles before going to bed or leaving the house.
• Do not place candles too close together.

More information on Candle Safety and Care, click here...

About FelinFach

     

Located in Pembrokeshire Wales, our ethos is defined in the three words...

NATURAL TRADITIONAL HANDMADE.

• Hand woven iconic Welsh blankets and Welsh tapestry blankets.
• Hand dyed yarn, dyed with natural dyes only - no exceptions!
• Handmade candles, candle accessories, Candle Making Workshops and soapery.
• Natural Dyeing Craft courses.
• Yarn shop, yarn bowls, project bags, tools and accessories for knitters and crafters.
• Welsh Gifts, souvenirs, made in Wales, handmade in Wales.

We are a proud supporter of Americymru, the Campaign for Wool, Global Welsh and Red Dragon America.

Last updated 19th November 2023