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

See Examples For:

Candlemas

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

From BBC ● Feb. 2, 2025

What the Celts called Imbolc is also around when Christians celebrate Candlemas, timed to Joseph and Mary’s presentation of Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 30, 2024

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

While the quirky day got its start in the late 19th century, historians believe Groundhog Day stems from Candlemas – a Christian holiday that dates back to the fourth century AD.

From Fox News ● Feb. 1, 2022

When Candlemas day is come and gone, The snow lies on a hot stone.

From Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases With a Copious Index of Principal Words by Thomas Preston