The origin of Candlemas
Originally a pagan festival …
The feast of Candlemas is. At school, with family or friends, it is an opportunity for young and old to rediscover the pleasure of this simple and delicious dessert.
But the Festival of Candles is not only the day when we treat our taste buds … Of pagan and Latin origin, the candelarum party brings together many traditions. In Roman times, this festival was celebrated in honor of the god of fertility and flocks., around February 15th. As a sign of purification, candles were lit at midnight in all the villages.
At the same time, among the Celts, February 1 was commemorated, the feast of Imbolc. Like the Romans, this rite, celebrated in honor of the goddess Brigit, honored the purification and fertility of the land at the end of winter. Equipped with torches, the peasants walked the fields in procession, imploring the goddess to purify the earth before the next harvests.
A Christian tradition
It is only much later that Candlemas takes on a religious significance. On February 2, forty days after his birth, Jesus is presented to the temple in Jerusalem and offered to God in a ceremony, in accordance with the Hebrew rite. Simeon blesses the child and calls him “light to enlighten the nations”. The old man also announces to Marie the tragic fate of her son. In 472, Pope Gelasius I organized the first candlelight processions symbolizing the presentation of Jesus and the Purification of the Virgin. Today in the West we light green candles on Candlemas day as a sign of purification. This day also marks the end of the festivities around Christmas. Usually, the crib is removed on that date.
The pancake symbol
Today, Candlemas is symbolized by pancakes. Why ? According to legend, Pope Gelasius I distributed pancakes to pilgrims arriving in Rome. A dessert, which by its circular shape and golden color, recalls the sun and light.
« At Candlemas, winter calms down or takes force Says a famous saying. The crepe evokes the end of winter and marks the return of spring and prosperity. According to legend, the peasants made pancakes with the wheat they had left, because they knew that a new harvest was near.
Today, the children (and their parents) come to enchant children on Candlemas Day. So, let’s cook!
Want to do Candlemas-themed activities with your children? Go to Momes.net! On the program are games, but also nursery rhymes and proverbs on Candlemas.