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

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

It was in honor of this goddess that the Egyptians celebrated the famous festival of light, which was imitated by the Christians in their feast of Candlemas.

From Religion In The Heavens Or, Mythology Unveiled in a Series of Lectures by Mitchell, Logan