Candlemas (February 2nd)

For a long time now I have been drawn to many of the rhythms of the church calendar. High church traditions carry a lot more mystery, mysticism, and ritual than the traditions I grew up with and this appeals to me. I've written a lot about the major seasons of the church calendar in the past. I've written about Advent and Lent a lot in particular, and also about Epiphany and other church holidays. But, I've never written about Candlemas before, because honestly I had NEVER heard of it before this past month. Funnily enough, it first came to my attention threw Pinterest, when the lovely Jerusalem Greer started pinning things about it. I sort of ignored the pins at first, but the more she pinned the more I was curious, and then she posted this post about why she likes Candlemas more than Groundhogs day. And that sealed it for me - this is one holiday I want to make a tradition in my own home.

I love the symbolism of it - the light, and candles. I love the remembrance of Jesus being presented in the temple (an often over looked story, perhaps?). I love the french tradition of crepes for dessert on Candlemas. And I love the little rhyme that goes with the day:

If Candlemas Day be fair and bright, Winter will have another flight; But if it be dark with clouds and rain, Winter is gone, and will not come again.

(old English song)

So, tomorrow I plan on lighting a candle, making some crepes and reading the story of Jesus being presented at the temple. Nothing fancy or elaborate, but a start to our own little Candlemas tradition.

Any of you have any Candlemas traditions? Have you ever even heard of this holiday? I'd love to hear.

Rejoicing in the journey - Bethany Stedman