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

It is thought to have evolved from German celebrations of Candlemas on 2 February.

From BBC • Feb. 2, 2025

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 hunting of the boar is a frequent subject of the Gothic carver, being generally considered the sport of September, though Sir Edward Coke says the season for the boar was from Christmas to Candlemas.

From The Grotesque in Church Art by Wildridge, T. Tindall