This ancient custom is also known as Candlemas and the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus to the Temple. It is celebrated on February 2, it is 40 days after Christmas and ends the Christmas season. We celebrate Mary's obedience and humility she shown us by her obedience to the Mosaic Law. Mary and Joseph presented Jesus to the temple and Mary was purified by the prayer of Simeon. The prophecy of Simeon also starts our Lady's passion. Mary was told her heart would be pierced by a sword.
On this day there is a blessing of candles. Simeon referred to Jesus as the Light , therefore another name for this feast is Candlemas. The candles are a symbol of the Incarnate Christ. The beeswax represents His pure body, the wick represents His soul and the flame represents His divinity. The candle also signifies to us how Jesus came to enlighten our darkness.
Let us celebrate Candlemas. There was an old English song " If Candlemas be fair and bright,/ Come Winter, have another flight./ If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,/ Go, Winter, and come not again." In America , it was decided we should replace Candlemas Day with Groundhog day.
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