Everything you need to know about Candlemas!

Once the Epiphany is over and the pancake is eaten, it's time to get back behind the stove to prepare another religious celebration that promises to be just as tasty, the Chandeleur. Discover all you need to know about Candlemas, its origins, its meaning and even the reason why we eat pancakes on this day of February 2nd!

Candlemas, a festival that advocates conviviality and sharing

For many, Candlemas represents a day where pancakes are in the spotlight.

So, whether you are a believer or not, February 2nd is the time to put on your best apron to prepare tasty pancakes to share with your friends, family and loved ones.

It is also a holiday that perfectly symbolizes the sense of sharing and conviviality. However, it is far from being only that.

Indeed, Candlemas remains a religious holiday that holds an important place in the minds of Christians and is also a special moment in the life of Christ.

To learn more about this holiday, let's go back to the origins of Candlemas to better understand what it represents, its traditions and more!

Why is Candlemas celebrated?

The Roman origins

Candlemas is a holiday celebrated all over the world. Depending on where you are, the traditions and beliefs of this day vary.

The first origins of this festival date back to Ancient Rome. Candlemas has its origins in a Roman festival called the Lupercalia during which the Romans celebrated the god Pan; the god of fertility.

The Christian festival

It is in fact from the 5th century that we begin to speak of Candlemas as an important date in the life of Jesus.

It is considered that February 2nd, exactly 40 days after Christmas, in other words the birth of Jesus, represents the date on which the little Jesus was presented at the Temple in Jerusalem.

It was then that he was recognized as the light that reveals himself to the nations and can guide the people.

Let's discover in more detail how these traditions, which date back several millennia and are still relevant today, were born.

Candlemas traditions: between candles and greed

Eating pancakes on February 2nd has become a must for this day. Indeed, it is difficult to miss this tradition that makes so many happy at Candlemas.

This day, in addition to representing an important date for Christians, also marks the end of the winter solstice and thus the arrival of the good weather.

With its round shape and warm golden colors, the pancake is the perfect representation of the sun. It is for this reason that in the past, farmers used to cook pancakes in order to ensure an abundant harvest for the coming year!

Cooking pancakes is and will remain a very popular tradition of Candlemas. However, it is not the only one. Indeed, at Candlemas, the tradition also wants the Christians to light candles, candles in order to move away the evil, to protect its home and to celebrate the Light of the people, in other words Christ!

At Religieux Saint-Christophe, you will find candles as well as many other religious objects which will be able to accompany you in the celebrations which parses the liturgical year.