In early February, young and old await the candlestick impatiently … to eat pancakes. But do you know the other traditions of this party which is originally pagan?
After the galette des rois in January, another popular festival is in the spotlight each year in February: Candlemasalso called candlelight. The opportunity to eat pancakes with family or friends, whether sweet or savory. If it is a gourmet celebration for most people, the candlestick is originally a religious event which is important among Christians. Here is everything you didn’t know about the Candlemas and its traditions.
What date is the candlestick this year this year?
The candlestick takes place each year on the same date: February 2. In 2025, it will be Sunday, February 2. Why this date precisely? At the time, in the peasant world, February 2 symbolized the release of winter and the return to agricultural work. The blessed candles were therefore kept by the superstitious peasants who rekindled them in order to protect future harvests and their homes.
What is the origin of the candlestick?
Candlemas is a party of pagan origine. It honored fertility, fertility and purificationand thus certain deities. Over the years, in the sixth century, the church recovered the day of the candlestick in honor of Jesus. In the Christian religion, The candlestick originally celebrates the presentation of the child Jesus Christ at the temple of Jerusalemprecisely 40 days after his birth. It was in memory of this event that from 492 an annual procession was organized, during which blessed candles were on. The candlestick has been part of the twelve major important liturgical festivals which are celebrated by the Orthodox church.
Why do we make candle pancakes?
It is during one of these religious processions that the traditional sharing of pancakes with candlestick was born. In order to encourage and reward the many pilgrims who came to Rome to celebrate Candlemas, Pope Gelase 1ᵉʳ Their distributed kinds of pancakes, called “forgetful”, giving birth to a tradition that is always respected. Over time, the pancakes also became a testimony of allegiance to farmers towards their lords, who were offered each year. Since then, tradition has remained and we continue to prepare and eat pancakes every February 2.
What is the Christian meaning of Candlemas?
For Christians, the candlestick has a important meaning, which is found in candles. Candlemas feast takes its name from Latin Festa Candelarum which means “candlelit”, in reference to candles traditionally used to represent the light of Jesus Christ. In the churches, even today, candles are blessed and lit to symbolize Christ as the light of the world And represent the purity that distances evil.
As is the case for many parties, Several traditions are associated with the candlestick. To counter bad luck, many candlesticks are those who Sauté their first pancake in the pan with your right hand, with a golden louis in your left hand. It is a lucky rite. Still others, throw this first pancake over the wardrobe, always by belief …
Our manual activities on the theme of Candlemas
At La Candleur, to occupy the children, you can offer them to make Culinary recipes which change traditional pancakes, or a session of Coloring pages on the candlestick. Here are all our Ideas for activities to do with children That day:
What are the countries that celebrate Candlemas?
Candlemas is mainly celebrated in France, but also in Belgium. In the United States, candlestick does not exist. The Americans rather celebrate on February 2 on the day of the marmot, which must predict the end of the winter season.
