When is Candlemas 2018, what are the traditions of Chandeleur and what’s the story of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple?
AMONG Christian festivals, Candlemas is one of the oldest on record, with references going all the way back to the fourth century.
But when does the date fall, what is the biblical story behind it and how do celebrations differ for Christians around the world?
When is Candlemas 2018?
Candlemas is a Christian Holy Day celebrated on February 2 each year.
The date is traditionally the 40th day of the Christmas-Epiphany season, and marks the time that Christians in some countries take down their Christmas decorations.
Also known as the Feast of the Presentation, it is one of the oldest observances of the Christian church, and has been celebrated since the 4th Century in Jerusalem.
The festival's origins lie in the account of the presentation of Jesus found in Luke 2:22-40.
What is the story of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple?
Candlemas celebrates the Biblical tale of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, one of the key events of Christ's early life.
According to the gospel, Mary and Joseph took their baby son to the Temple in Jerusalem 40 days after his birth.
They were there to perform the redemption of the firstborn son and complete Mary's ritual purification after childbirth, in accordance with Jewish holy scripture.
At the temple, they encountered a man called Simeon, who had been told by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah.
When Simeon saw Jesus in the temple, he said: "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
"For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations."
He also told Mary: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your soul as well."
Mary and Joseph also met an elderly prophet called Anna, who praised the baby Jesus, before returning to Nazareth after the ceremony was completed.
OTHER HOLIDAYS AND FESTIVALS
How is Candlemas celebrated?
Many Christians take candles to their church on Candlemas, where they are blessed before being used for the rest of the year.
These blessed candles symbolise Jesus, who referred to himself as the Light of the World.
In France and Belgium, Candlemas is also considered the day of crepes, with each family member traditionally making a crepe while holding a coin. There, the day is called Chandeleur.
Linked to a fertility rite, this historic custom is intended to guarantee prosperity throughout the rest of the year.
Spanish speaking countries mark the date as Candelaria – it is tradition that whoever finds baby figures hidden in a cake on Epiphany then provides food for celebrations on February 2.
In the US, Candlemas Day coincides with Groundhog Day, when the groundhog famously predicts the weather for the coming weeks.
According to folklore, if the weather is cloudy when a groundhog emerges from its burrow on February 2, then spring will come early that year.