Candlemas

American  

[kan-dl-muhs, -mas] / ˈkæn dl məs, -ˌmæs /

noun

1. a church festival, February 2, in honor of the presentation of the infant Jesus in the Temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary: candles are blessed on this day.

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Candlemas British  

/ ˈkændəlməs /

noun

1. Christianity Feb 2, the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary and the presentation of Christ in the Temple: the day on which the church candles are blessed. In Scotland it is one of the four quarter days

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Etymology

Origin of Candlemas

before 1050; Middle English candelmasse, Old English candelmæsse. See candle, Mass ( def. )

Example Sentences

The origins of the tradition, as explained by History.com, stem from an ancient Christian celebration called Candlemas where clergy would distribute candles for winter.

From Salon • Feb. 2, 2023

They also invariably carry nostalgia for millions like Cuatencos, who remembers his grandmother preparing tamales for family celebrations and religious festivals like Candlemas Day on Feb. 2.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 30, 2023

Throughout Europe, observers of Candlemas would take candles to local churches for winter blessings.

From Fox News • Feb. 1, 2022

“The twins had been baptised at Candlemas 1585,” said Greg Doran, artistic director of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

From The Guardian • Feb. 22, 2020

Two days later, on Candlemas Day, on which in some parts of Catholic Austria people still observe the custom of paying one another little attentions, Sendlingen also received a present from the minister.

From The Chief Justice A Novel by Franzos, Karl Emil