5 Facts About The “Presentation Of The Lord” (Candlemas)

Candlemas is February 2nd – Courtesy of St. Patrick’s Parish, Toronto

February 2nd is a big day in the US especially for Catholics. Yes, it is true that Feb 2nd is Groundhog Day, but that isn’t what I am referring to. February 2nd is also the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also know as Candlemas. This day is an important day in salvation history. Interestingly enough, there are some connections between Candlemas and Groundhog Day. Let’s take a look.

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Most Catholics are familiar with the “Presentation of the Lord” described in Luke 2:22-38:

22 When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.

23 just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord”

24 and to offer the sacrifice of “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the holy Spirit was upon him.

26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord.

27 He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him,

28 he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:

29“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word,

30 for my eyes have seen your salvation,

31 which you prepared in sight of all the peoples,

32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”

33 The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;

34 and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted

35 (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage,

37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.

38 And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem,

Jewish law decreed the mother of a newborn son is “unclean” the initial 7 days after birth. After the 7 days, the law stated she needed to spend 33 days in “blood purity”. Upon purification, the child was then consecrated to the Lord per the law. February 2nd is exactly 40 days since Christmas.

5 Interesting Facts About Candlemas

Candlemas commemorates the presentation of Jesus in the Temple. Candles were blessed at this festival giving it the name Candlemas and is celebrated with lit candles representing Jesus as the “light of the world to the nations.” Simeon is the first human person to identify Jesus as the Messiah.
Jewish law required that the child be presented to the Lord, and we as Catholics are presented to the Lord at baptism.
In many countries Christmas decorations are taken down at the Epiphany, however Catholic Churches in France, Belgium, and Swiss Romandy (French Switzerland) state that manger scenes should not be put away before Candlemas as this is the last feast of the Christmas cycle. This celebration is also considered a “day of crepes” This tradition is attributed to Pope Gelasius I who had pancakes distributed to pilgrims arriving in Rome. Their round shape and golden color refer to the “return of spring after the dark and cold of winter.”
Candlemas, also referred to as the “Festival of Lights” marks the return of light, and is a symbol of protection and prosperity. It is believed by some that clear weather on Candlemas means a longer winter.
Groundhog Day is based on Candlemas tradition – “If Candlemas Day is clear and bright, winter will have another bite.If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain, winter is gone and will not come again.”

As always, any comments are encouraged and welcomed.

God Bless