CANDLEMAS: 2 FEBRUARY

This ancient festival began in pre-Christian times, known as the 'Feast of Lights' and celebrated the increased
strength of the life-giving sun as winter gave way to spring.

Candlemas marks the midpoint of winter, halfway between the winter solstice and spring equinox. It
celebrates the beginning of the lengthening of the days, and the slow awakening of the world and the life
about to emerge all around us. Candlemas is a glimpse of spring — when the first bulbs, especially the
snowdrops, begin to appear with their promise of more to come. In fact, snowdrops are also known as
“Candlemas Bells”.

Candlemas takes its name from the blessing of the candles on this day for use in the church throughout the
coming year. Candles symbolize the strengthening spark of light beginning to pierce the dark of winter. It is a time
where we look to the hibernating animals to come out and see if it is still winter.

An old Scottish custom was for children to bring candles to school on Candlemas Day, so the classrooms
could have light on dull days. As time went on, gas lighting took over from candlelight. The children took
money to the teacher who was supposed to spend it on sweets and cakes for the children to eat. The boy or
girl taking in the most money were declared Candlemas King and Queen and they 'ruled' for six weeks.

The French name for Candlemas, “Chandeleur” comes from the word “Chandelle” meaning candle.
Candlemas was a traditional time for preparing fields for later planting. It was custom for the people to bring
back the lighted candles from church to assure good crops for the year to come and to chase away the evil
spirits.

In France it is custom to prepare “crêpes” for “La chandeleur”, which symbolises, wealth, good crops and
health for the year to come. Its form and colour signifies the sun, which is finally returning after the dark
winter. It keeps the mould away from the crop and protects the home from harm. Pancakes must be tossed
with a coin in the hand so as to ensure prosperity throughout the year. Whoever manages to toss his
pancake without dropping it on the ground will have good luck until the next Candlemas!

Candlemas day is rich in weather-related folklore, most commonly that that good weather on this day
indicates a long continuance of winter and a bad crop, and that bad weather is, on the contrary, a good
omen:
If Candlemas day is bright with sun,
then the winter’s but half begun;
and if Candlemas day is dark with rain,
Winter’s power is on the wane.

A lovely way to celebrate Candlemas with children is to go walking outdoors in search of bulbs and new
green shoots. It is also an appropriate time to make candles with your child – rolling from beeswax sheets,
candle dipping, or making sand or earth candles, which when lit, symbolically help warm the earth and
brings to mind the life below. And it is the perfect day to eat dinner by candlelight.

Candlemas is a celebration of light and transformation as we mark the sun’s growing strength, and the earth
prepares for spring again. At this time of new beginnings, it is a great time to reflect on own your hopes,
dreams and ambitions for the coming year.

Happy Candlemas to you all!