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’s also a time of year that figures in the Celtic calendar and the Christian holiday of Candlemas.

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

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

The hind had as lief see his wife on the bier, As Candlemas day should be pleasant and clear.

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