Candlemas: The Presentation of the Lord

Candlemas: The Presentation of the Lord

Celebration in Church

Presentation of the Lord, also called Candlemas, is an ancient Solemnity in the Catholic Church. It falls on February 2, 40 days after Christmas, and this is no accident. Forty days after the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple. This was in accordance with the Torah, which dictates that forty days after a woman gives birth, she may return to the temple for ritual purification. The Holy Family also came to the temple to perform the Redemption of the Firstborn, in which families would present their firstborn son to the priest and pay silver; this is also an action required by the Torah and meant to be a reminder of God’s power in redeeming the Israelites. At the temple, the Holy Family meets the prophet Simeon and Anna the prophetess. 

 

During the Liturgy, candles are lit, and a procession takes place singing the words “Lumen ad revelationem et gloriam plebis tue Israel.” These are the words of the prophet Simeon when he recognizes Jesus as “a light to the Gentiles and the glory of God’s people, Israel.” 

 

Candlemas Traditions

One of the longstanding Catholic traditions associated with Candlemas is the blessing of candles for the home. In the past, when candles were used for light, families would bring all of their candles for the year to be blessed. 

 

At OLP, while you do not need to bring a supply of candles for the year, you are invited to bring a candle or a few candles to be blessed at Mass. We will have a spot set up for them! We will also bless the candles that we use at church as well. 

 

Another common tradition for Candlemas is eating Crepes. Legend tells us that on Candlemas, Pope Gelasius I would serve crepes to pilgrims visiting Rome on Candlemas Day. Many families still participate in this tradition. 

 

The End of Christmas?

In church history, many days are or have been considered the “end of Christmas.”  Of course, you’ve heard of the “12 days of Christmas;” this refers to the 12 days from Christmas Day until January 6, the traditional Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord (the visit of the three wise men). In the church now, however, Epiphany is moved to a Sunday so that more of the faithful can participate. Further, in the current liturgical year calendar, the last Sunday of the “Christmas Season” is the Baptism of the Lord, the Sunday after Epiphany.

 

By some in history, however, February 2 was considered the end of the Christmas Season. Certainly, the story of the Presentation of the Lord feels very close and connected to the Nativity of Jesus, as he was only 40 days old. The other marker is that the same Marian antiphon, Alma Redemptoris Mater, is sung from the first Sunday of Advent until February 2. 

 

So, if you need an extra excuse to keep that Christmas tree up and chase out the dreary winter or cozy up with some blessed Candles this February, Candlemas provides the perfect excuse!