Candlemas 2025 falls on February 2nd, marking the presentation of Jesus at the Temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary. This Christian holiday, celebrated 40 days after Christmas, involves blessing candles and various cultural traditions worldwide.
The Meaning and History of Candlemas
Candlemas, also known as the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus Christ or the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is a Christian holiday with deep historical roots. This feast day commemorates two important events in the early life of Jesus as described in the Gospel of Luke.
Biblical Origins
According to the Gospel of Luke, Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem 40 days after his birth. This act fulfilled two requirements of Jewish law:
- The purification of a mother after childbirth
- The presentation of the Jesus
During this visit, they encountered Simeon, who had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah before his death. Upon seeing Jesus, Simeon proclaimed him as “a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel” (Luke 2:32).
Historical Development
The celebration of Candlemas can be traced back to the 4th century in Jerusalem. By the 5th century, it had spread to other parts of the Eastern Roman Empire. The feast day was officially established in the Western Church by Pope Gelasius I in the late 5th century.
Initially, the focus of the celebration was on the purification of Mary. However, over time, the emphasis shifted to include the presentation of Jesus and the symbolism of light. This shift is reflected in the name “Candlemas,” which combines the words “candle” and “Mass.”
Significance in the Christian Calendar
Candlemas holds a unique position in the Christian calendar:
- It marks the end of the Christmas-Epiphany season
- It falls exactly 40 days after Christmas
- It occurs halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox
This timing has led to Candlemas being associated with both the conclusion of winter and the promise of spring, themes that are reflected in many of the traditions surrounding the day.
Candlemas Traditions Around the World

Candlemas is celebrated in various ways across different cultures and Christian denominations. While the core religious significance remains the same, local customs have added unique flavors to the observance of this feast day.
Blessing of Candles
The most widespread tradition associated with Candlemas is the blessing of candles. This practice is particularly common in Catholic and Orthodox churches:
- Parishioners bring candles to church to be blessed
- These blessed candles are then used throughout the year
- The candles symbolize Jesus as the “light of the world”
This tradition gives the feast its English name, Candlemas, and underscores the theme of light that is central to the celebration.
France and Belgium: Crêpe Day
In France and Belgium, Candlemas is known as La Chandeleur and is closely associated with crêpes:
- Eating crêpes on this day is a long-standing tradition
- The round, golden shape of crêpes is said to represent the sun and the return of spring
- There’s a custom of holding a coin in one hand while flipping a crêpe with the other for good luck
Mexico: Día de la Candelaria
In Mexico, Candlemas is celebrated as Día de la Candelaria:
- It’s linked to the earlier celebration of Three Kings Day on January 6
- Those who find a figurine of baby Jesus in the Rosca de Reyes (Kings’ Cake) on Three Kings Day must host a party on Candlemas
- The party typically includes tamales and atole, a traditional hot drink
United States: Groundhog Day
While not directly related to the religious observance of Candlemas, Groundhog Day in the United States falls on the same date and shares some thematic connections:
- Both involve predictions about the end of winter
- Groundhog Day has its roots in German traditions brought by immigrants to Pennsylvania
- These traditions were originally associated with Candlemas weather lore
Eastern Orthodox Churches
In Eastern Orthodox traditions, this feast is known as the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple or Hypapante:
- It’s considered one of the 12 Great Feasts of the liturgical year
- The celebration includes a blessing of candles and a procession with icons
Removal of Christmas Decorations
In some Christian traditions, Candlemas marks the official end of the Christmas season:
- It’s considered the last day to remove Christmas decorations
- This custom contrasts with the more common practice of removing decorations on Epiphany (January 6)
The Liturgical Celebration of Candlemas
The liturgical celebration of Candlemas varies among different Christian denominations, but it generally includes specific readings, prayers, and rituals that reflect the themes of light, purification, and presentation.
Roman Catholic Church
In the Roman Catholic Church, the celebration of Candlemas includes:
- A procession with lighted candles
- The blessing of candles brought by the faithful
- Specific readings from the Gospel of Luke recounting the presentation of Jesus
- The use of white vestments, symbolizing purity
Anglican Communion
The Anglican celebration of Candlemas, also known as the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, includes:
- A procession with candles
- The singing of the Nunc Dimittis (Simeon’s song)
- Readings from the Old and New Testaments
- Special prayers and collects for the day
Eastern Orthodox Church
In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, the feast is celebrated with:
- An all-night vigil on the eve of the feast
- The blessing of candles
- A Divine Liturgy on the day of the feast
- Special hymns and readings specific to the Presentation of Jesus
Lutheran Church
Lutheran churches often celebrate Candlemas with:
- The blessing of candles
- Special hymns and prayers
- Readings focused on the presentation of Jesus and Simeon’s prophecy

Candlemas Weather Lore and Folk Traditions
Beyond its religious significance, Candlemas has accumulated a rich body of folklore and weather-related traditions over the centuries. These customs often reflect the feast’s position at the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.
Weather Predictions
Many cultures have weather-predicting traditions associated with Candlemas:
- In England, there’s a saying: “If Candlemas Day be fair and bright, Winter will have another flight. If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain, Winter won’t come again.”
- Similar proverbs exist in Scotland, Germany, and other European countries
- These traditions likely influenced the development of Groundhog Day in the United States
Agricultural Traditions
For agricultural communities, Candlemas was an important marker in the farming calendar:
- It was often considered the proper time to start spring plowing
- Farmers would assess their remaining winter stores on this day
- In some regions, it marked the time when half the winter provisions should remain
Candle Traditions
Beyond the religious blessing of candles, there are various folk traditions involving candles on this day:
- In some areas, all the candles in the house would be lit
- Some believed that the way candles burned on this day could predict future events
- In parts of Ireland, people would carry blessed candles around their homes to ward off evil spirits
Food Traditions
As mentioned earlier, many cultures have specific foods associated with Candlemas:
- Crêpes in France and Belgium
- Tamales in Mexico
- Pancakes in some parts of the United Kingdom
These food traditions often carry symbolic meanings related to the sun, light, or abundance.
Celebrating Candlemas in 2025
As we look forward to Candlemas in 2025, it’s worth considering how this ancient feast day can be meaningfully observed in our modern context. Whether you’re a practicing Christian or simply interested in cultural traditions, there are many ways to engage with the themes and customs of Candlemas.
Attending Religious Services
For those who are part of Christian denominations that celebrate Candlemas:
- Attend a Candlemas service at your local church
- Participate in candle-lighting ceremonies or processions
- Reflect on the themes of light, purification, and presentation in your personal devotions
Hosting a Candlemas Gathering
Consider hosting a Candlemas-themed gathering with friends or family:
- Light candles throughout your home
- Prepare traditional foods like crêpes or pancakes
- Share stories or readings related to the feast day
Candlemas craft ideas
Here are 5 Candlemas craft ideas for the blog post:
1. Decorated Beeswax Candles

Create personalized candles using beeswax sheets. Cut the sheets into shapes like flowers, leaves, or stars, and press them onto plain pillar candles. The warmth of your hands will help the beeswax adhere. This simple yet beautiful craft allows for creativity while connecting to the candle-blessing tradition of Candlemas.
2. Stained Glass Luminaries

Transform ordinary glass jars into colorful luminaries. Use tissue paper in various colors, cut into small pieces. Apply Mod Podge to the outside of a clean glass jar, then stick the tissue paper pieces in a mosaic pattern. Add a layer of Mod Podge over the tissue paper. Once dry, place a votive candle inside for a stunning stained glass effect.
3. Orange Peel Candles

Upcycle orange peels and old candle wax to make unique Candlemas lights. Cut oranges or satsumas in half and carefully scoop out the fruit. Melt old candle wax and pour it into the orange peel halves. Insert a wick and allow the wax to set. These natural candle holders emit a lovely citrus scent when lit.
4. Paper Candle Craft

Create a simple yet effective paper candle display. Use paper towel rolls as the base, covering them with white paper. Add yellow or orange tissue paper flames at the top. This craft is perfect for younger children and can be used to decorate a mantel or table for Candlemas celebrations.
5. Snowdrop Lantern

Craft a delicate snowdrop-themed lantern using a glass jar or lantern and Japanese silk paper or tissue paper. Layer blue paper for the background, add an earthy brown section, and create snowdrop shapes with white and green paper. This craft combines the themes of light and early spring, both associated with Candlemas.
Reflecting on Personal Growth
Use Candlemas as a time for personal reflection:
- Consider it a “New Year’s resolution check-in”
- Reflect on how you can be a “light” in your community
- Set intentions for the coming spring season
Engaging with Nature
Connect with the natural world and the changing seasons:
- Take a nature walk to observe early signs of spring
- Plant seeds indoors to prepare for spring gardening
- Observe and record local weather patterns
Learning and Sharing
Deepen your understanding of Candlemas and share your knowledge:
- Read about the history and traditions of Candlemas
- Share interesting facts about the feast day on social media
- Discuss the cultural significance of Candlemas with others
FAQs About Candlemas
What is the date of Candlemas in 2025?
Candlemas in 2025 will be celebrated on Sunday, February 2nd.
Is Candlemas a public holiday?
Candlemas is not a public holiday in most countries. However, it is an important religious feast day in many Christian denominations.
Why is Candlemas called Candlemas?
The name “Candlemas” comes from the tradition of blessing candles on this day. It combines the words “candle” and “Mass.”
What is the connection between Candlemas and Groundhog Day?
Groundhog Day, celebrated on February 2nd in the United States, has its roots in European weather lore associated with Candlemas. Both involve predictions about the length of winter.
Do all Christian denominations celebrate Candlemas?
While Candlemas is primarily celebrated in Catholic, Orthodox, and some Protestant denominations, not all Christian churches observe this feast day.
What is the significance of the 40-day period between Christmas and Candlemas?
The 40-day period reflects the time specified in Leviticus for purification after childbirth, as well as echoing other significant 40-day periods in the Bible.
Are there any special prayers associated with Candlemas?
Yes, many Christian traditions have specific prayers and liturgies for Candlemas, often focusing on themes of light and purification.
How long should Christmas decorations stay up according to Candlemas tradition?
In some traditions, Christmas decorations should remain up until Candlemas (February 2nd), which marks the official end of the Christmas season.
What foods are traditionally eaten on Candlemas?
Traditional Candlemas foods vary by culture but often include crêpes, pancakes, and tamales.
Is Candlemas always on February 2nd?
Yes, Candlemas is always celebrated on February 2nd, exactly 40 days after Christmas.

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