Presentation of Jesus at the Temple facts for kids
| Major events in Jesus's life in the Gospels |
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The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple is an important event from the early life of Jesus. It describes when Jesus was brought to the Temple in Jerusalem as a baby. Many churches celebrate this event 40 days after Christmas. This day is also known as Candlemas. The story is found in the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament.
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, this event is one of the twelve Great Feasts. They sometimes call it Hypapante, which means "meeting" in Greek. Orthodox Churches using the Julian calendar celebrate it on February 15. The Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates it on February 14.
In Western Christianity, this day is also known as the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin or the Meeting of the Lord. For example, the Catholic Church celebrates it on February 2. The Church of England celebrates it on February 2 or a nearby Sunday.
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The Story in the Bible
The story of Jesus's presentation is told in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:22–40). According to the Bible, Mary and Joseph took baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem. This happened forty days after Jesus was born.
They went to the Temple for two main reasons. First, Mary needed to complete a ritual purification after childbirth, as was the custom. Second, they needed to perform the redemption of the firstborn son. This was a Jewish ceremony to dedicate the firstborn male child to God. These actions followed the rules in the Torah (Leviticus 12, Exodus 13:12–15).
Luke's Gospel mentions that Joseph and Mary offered "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." This was the offering allowed for poor families who could not afford a lamb (Leviticus 12:8). The purification ceremony for a male child took place forty days after birth (Leviticus 12:1–4). This is why the Presentation is celebrated forty days after Christmas.
Meeting Simeon and Anna
At the Temple, Mary and Joseph met an old man named Simeon. The Bible says that Simeon had been promised he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Christ (Luke 2:26).
Simeon then said a special prayer, now called the Nunc Dimittis. In this prayer, he spoke about Jesus bringing salvation to the world:
"Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel". (Luke 2:29–32).
Simeon also told Mary: "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed. (Luke 2:34–35). This part hinted at the future sadness Mary would experience.
An elderly prophetess named Anna was also at the Temple. She gave thanks to God for Jesus. She also told everyone there about Jesus's importance for the redemption of Jerusalem (Luke 2:36–38).
Celebrating the Presentation
| The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple | |
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Presentation of Christ at the Temple by Hans Holbein the Elder, 1500–01 (Kunsthalle Hamburg)
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| Type | Christian |
| Date | 2 February (Gregorian) 14 February (Armenian Apostolic Church) |
Names for the Celebration
This celebration has several names. It is known as the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple. Other names include Candlemas, the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin, and the Meeting of the Lord.
The date of Candlemas is always 40 days after the Nativity of Jesus (Christmas). This is because, according to ancient law, a mother who gave birth to a boy was considered "unclean" for seven days. She then had to wait 33 more days for purification. So, Candlemas marks the day Mary would have completed her ritual purification (Leviticus 12:2–8).
The name "Candlemas" comes from northern Europe. On this day, people often have processions with lighted candles during church services. This tradition reflects Simeon's words about Jesus being "a light for revelation to the Gentiles."
Church Practices
Traditionally, Candlemas was the last feast day connected to Christmas. It is seen as another "epiphany" feast. This means it is a day when Jesus is revealed as the Messiah. This revelation happens through the words of Simeon and the prophetess Anna.
Western Christian Traditions
In Western churches, Candlemas happens 40 days after Christmas. A common practice is for a priest to bless beeswax candles on February 2. These candles are then used throughout the year. Some are given to people to use in their homes.
In Poland, this feast is called Święto Matki Bożej Gromnicznej. This means "Feast of Our Lady of Thunder candles." The blessed candles, called gromnice, are lit during thunderstorms. They are placed in windows to protect homes from storms.
In the Catholic Church, the feast is now called the "Presentation of the Lord." The focus is more on Simeon's prophecy. Pope John Paul II also linked this day to the renewal of religious vows. The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple is the fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary.
Eastern Christian Traditions
In the Byzantine tradition of the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Meeting of the Lord is a very special feast. It combines elements of a feast for the Lord and a feast for the Theotokos (Mother of God).
The holiday is celebrated with an all-night vigil the evening before. The next morning, a Divine Liturgy is held, where beeswax candles are blessed. The priest reads prayers and blesses the candles with holy water. The candles are then given to the people, and the Liturgy begins.
Because of the events in Luke's Gospel, the practice of Churching of Women became common. This is a blessing for mothers after childbirth. While it is less common in Western churches now, it is still practiced in the Orthodox Church. Also, babies are often brought to church 40 days after birth, just like Jesus was brought to the Temple.
Some Christians also keep their Christmas decorations up until Candlemas.
When is Candlemas?
In most church calendars, the Presentation of the Lord falls on February 2. This is exactly forty days after Christmas. In the Church of England, it can be celebrated on this day or on a Sunday between January 28 and February 3.
In the Armenian Apostolic Church, the feast is called "The Coming of the Son of God into the Temple." It is celebrated on February 14. This is because Armenians celebrate Christmas on January 6, so their feast is 40 days after that date. The night before the feast, Armenians light candles during a church service. They carry the flame outside or light a bonfire in the church courtyard.
History of the Feast
The Feast of the Presentation is one of the oldest feasts in the Church. It has been celebrated since the fourth century in Jerusalem. Early writings show that bishops like Cyril of Jerusalem and John Chrysostom preached about this feast.
A pilgrim named Egeria described the celebration in Jerusalem around 381–384 AD. She reported that February 14 was a very important day. There was a procession to the Basilica of the Resurrection. A homily was given about Luke 2:22, and a Divine Liturgy was held. At that time, Christ's birth was celebrated on January 6 in Jerusalem.
Around 450 AD in Jerusalem, people started the custom of holding lighted candles during the Divine Liturgy on this day. At first, it was a minor celebration. But in 541, a terrible plague struck Constantinople, killing many people. The Emperor Justinian I ordered prayers and processions. On the Feast of the Meeting of the Lord, a special prayer service was held. The plague then stopped. In thanks, the feast became a more important celebration in 542.
In Rome, the feast appeared in a collection of texts from the seventh and eighth centuries. It was called the "Feast of Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary." The date in Rome was February 2 because Christmas was celebrated on December 25 there.
Candlemas became important in Europe during the Middle Ages. It was a traditional day for certain business dealings. For example, it was the day to move cattle from hay meadows. It is still one of the Scottish quarter days, when debts are paid.
Connections to Other Celebrations
The Feast of the Presentation is directly linked to Christmas. The story in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:22–40) says the event happened 40 days after Jesus's birth. The blessing of candles on this day reminds us of Simeon's words. He called baby Jesus the "light for revelation to the Gentiles" (Luke 2:32).
Some modern Pagans believe that Candlemas is a Christianization of the Gaelic festival of Imbolc. This festival was celebrated in pre-Christian Europe around the same time of year. Imbolc is also called "St. Brigid's Day" in Ireland. Both the goddess Brigid and Saint Brigid are linked to sacred flames and healing. However, historians disagree on whether Candlemas directly replaced a pagan festival.
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In Armenia, celebrations for the Presentation have been influenced by older customs. These include spreading ashes in fields for good harvests. Also, lighting bonfires for young men to leap over is a tradition.
The tradition of lighting a candle in each window is not the reason for the name "Candlemas." The name comes from the blessing of candles in church.
The day after Candlemas, the feast of St. Blaise is celebrated. This feast is connected to the Blessing of the Throats. This blessing is often given with crossed candles.
In Art and Music
Art
The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple is a common subject in Christian art. It appears in many cycles about the Life of Christ and the Life of the Virgin. Early artworks focused on the moment Simeon met Jesus.
Later, especially in Western art, Simeon was often shown as a Jewish High Priest. He would be performing a ceremony with Mary, Joseph, and Anna. In Western art, Simeon is often holding baby Jesus. In Eastern art, Mary is more likely to still be holding Jesus.
Simeon's prophecy to Mary, "a sword will pierce through your own soul also," led to art showing Mary as a sorrowful mother.
Gallery
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Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, 12th century cloisonné enamel icon from Georgia
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Presentation of Christ in the Temple, from the Sherbrooke Missal
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James Tissot, The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple (La présentation de Jésus au Temple), Brooklyn Museum
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Stained glass window at St. Michael's Cathedral (Toronto) depicts Infant Jesus at the Temple
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Painting from the Menologion of Basil II (c. 1000 AD)
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Presentation of Christ in the Temple, South German, likely altarpiece wing, late 15th century. (Private collection)
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Music
Many songs and anthems have been written for this feast. They are often performed during church services. For example, the German composer Johannes Eccard (1553–1611) wrote "Maria wallt zum Heiligtum."
The Lutheran church of the Baroque period observed the feast as Mariae Reinigung (Purification of Mary). Johann Sebastian Bach composed several cantatas for this day. These pieces often included Simeon's canticle Nunc dimittis.
- Erfreute Zeit im neuen Bunde, BWV 83, 1724
- Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahin, BWV 125, 1725 (based on Luther's hymn)
- Ich habe genug, BWV 82, 1727
Traditions and Superstitions
"Down with the rosemary, and so
Down with the bays and mistletoe;
Down with the holly, ivy, all,
Wherewith ye dress'd the Christmas Hall"—Robert Herrick (1591–1674), "Ceremony upon Candlemas Eve"
As the poem by Robert Herrick shows, the evening before Candlemas was the day to remove Christmas decorations. People believed that leaving traces of holly or berries would bring bad luck.
In Scotland, Candlemas was one of the traditional quarter days. On these days, quarterly rents were due, and other business was done. This included hiring servants.
In the United Kingdom, good weather on Candlemas Day was thought to mean more severe winter weather later. A saying goes: "If Candlemas Day is clear and bright, / winter will have another bite. / If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain, / winter is gone and will not come again."
In the United States, Candlemas happens on the same day as Groundhog Day. This American tradition might come from a German-American Candlemas custom. An early reference from 1841 mentions:
Last Tuesday, the 2nd, was Candlemas day, the day on which, according to the Germans, the Groundhog peeps out of his winter quarters and if he sees his shadow he pops back for another six weeks nap, but if the day be cloudy he remains out, as the weather is to be moderate.
In France and Belgium, Candlemas (La Chandeleur) is celebrated by eating crêpes. In Italy, it is believed to be the last cold day of winter. In Tenerife (Spain), it is the day of the Virgin of Candelaria.
In Southern and Central Mexico, and Guatemala City, Candlemas (Día de La Candelaria) is celebrated with tamales. On January 5, the night before Three Kings Day, people eat a special cake. Whoever finds a small doll inside the cake must pay for the tamales and host a party on Candlemas. In some parts of Mexico, families dress up their baby Jesus figures from the nativity scene on this day.
In Luxembourg, children visit neighbors carrying lighted sticks on Liichtmëss. They sing a traditional song and receive sweets.
Sailors often avoid starting a voyage on Candlemas Day. They believe it will end in disaster. This belief might come from the frequent severe storms in February.
According to tradition, the swaddling clothes that baby Jesus wore at the Temple are kept in Dubrovnik Cathedral, Croatia.
See also
In Spanish: Presentación de Jesús en el Templo para niños
