Candlemas, also known as the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus Christ and the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is a Christian holiday observed annually on February 2nd. It commemorates two events: the presentation of Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem and the purification of the Virgin Mary, as recounted in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:22-39).
According to Jewish tradition, a woman who had given birth was considered ritually unclean for a period of time. After this period, she was required to present an offering and undergo purification rituals. Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple in obedience to this law, where they encountered Simeon and Anna, who recognized Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah.
The name “Candlemas” is derived from the practice of blessing candles on this day. The blessed candles symbolize Jesus as the “light of the world.” In some Christian denominations, there are processions with candles during Candlemas services, symbolizing the entry of Jesus, the light of the world, into the Temple. Candlemas marks the end of the Christmas season in the liturgical calendar and is observed with various customs and traditions in different cultures. It is a day of reflection on the significance of Jesus’ presentation in the Temple and the fulfillment of Jewish law, as well as a celebration of light and hope.