Candlemas facts for kids

Candlemas is a Christian holiday celebrated on February 2nd. It remembers the time when Jesus was presented at the Temple in Jerusalem. On this day, many people have candles blessed during church services. It's also known as the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

What Candlemas Means

France, Belgium, and Swiss Romandy

Chandeleur, also known as crêpes day.

In these countries, Candlemas is celebrated in churches on February 2nd. It's also known as "crêpes day"! People often make and eat crêpes (thin pancakes) on this day.

One old story says that Pope Gelasius I gave pancakes to pilgrims visiting Rome. Another idea is that it comes from an old tradition where people offered cakes to gods.

To celebrate Candlemas, families often light all the candles in their homes. It's also a tradition to keep your Christmas manger scenes up until Candlemas. This day is seen as the very last celebration of the Christmas season.

The round, golden shape of pancakes reminds people of the sun. This makes them a symbol of spring returning after the cold, dark winter.

There are also special traditions when making crêpes. One old custom is to flip the crêpe in the air with your right hand. At the same time, you hold a gold coin or another coin in your left hand. People believe this brings good luck and money for the whole year. You just have to make sure the pancake lands back in the pan!

Another tradition says you should keep the first crêpe you make. Some people put it in a cupboard to help ensure a good harvest later in the year. They say it won't get moldy and will keep bad times away.

Luxembourg

A tapestry from Strasbourg depicting the Purification of the Virgin Mary and the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple

In Luxembourg, Candlemas is called Liichtmëssdag. It's a special holiday for children. In the afternoon or evening of February 2nd, kids walk through the streets in small groups. They carry lighted lanterns or homemade wands. They sing traditional songs at each house or store, especially "Léiwer Härgottsblieschen." After singing, they hope to get a reward like sweets or some money. Long ago, they might have received bacon, peas, or biscuits.

Mexico

In Mexico, February 2nd is a very important day to celebrate the presentation of the Christ child at the temple. Families often dress up a doll of the Christ child, called the niño dios. They adore it and then have family meals with tamales.

This festival is connected to the Epiphany holiday. During Epiphany, families eat a special cake called rosca de reyes. Inside the cake, there's a small, bean-shaped figure of the Christ child, called a muñeco. Whoever finds the muñeco in their slice of cake becomes the godparent of the child doll. This person then dresses the niño dios in beautiful clothes. After that, the doll is taken to church to be blessed. Families often share stories of these events for many years.

After the church blessing, there's a family meal. The person who found the muñeco in the Epiphany cake is also in charge of making tamales for this meal. Tamales are a traditional Mexican food. This tradition is believed to connect to Mexico's ancient past, when people offered corn. The whole family is invited to this meal, making it a time for family and sharing. These celebrations happen in Mexico and in Mexican communities all over the world.

Puerto Rico

In Puerto Rico, Candlemas officially marks the end of the Christmas season for Catholics. The celebrations include a procession. People carry a statue of the "Virgen de la Candelaria" (Virgin of Candlemas) on their shoulders. Others follow with lit candles. They walk until they reach a church where a special Mass is held. In the evening, the celebrations continue with a big bonfire and singing.

United States

Groundhog Day is celebrated on Candlemas in the United States. In the 1880s, some friends in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, went into the woods on Candlemas Day to look for groundhogs. This outing became a tradition. A local newspaper editor called these people "the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club."

Starting in 1887, the search became an official event. It focused on a special groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil. A ceremony still takes place every year. This event was even featured in a movie in 1993.

Images for kids

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  Candlemas day by Marianne Stokes, 1901

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  The presentation of the Lord in the temple by Fra Bartolomeo, 1516

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  Our Lady of Light (patron of the Canary Islands). The Virgin of Candles is depicted in the manner of a Black Madonna.

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  Diablada puneña during the Fiesta de la Candelaria in Peru.

See also

In Spanish: Fiesta de la Candelaria para niños