CANDLEMAS Meaning and
Definition
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Candlemas is a noun that refers to a Christian feast day celebrated annually on February 2nd, forty days after Christmas. This observance commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the Temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary according to Mosaic law. The term "Candlemas" is derived from the old English word "Candlemāsse," combining "candle" and "mass" to emphasize the significance of the ceremonial blessing of candles during the celebration.
In religious practice, Candlemas traditionally involves a procession where candles are blessed to symbolize the divine light brought by Jesus. The candles are then carried in procession into the church, and often afterwards are distributed to the faithful as a symbol of spiritual enlightenment. This ritual holds great importance within various Christian denominations, particularly the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches.
Outside of religious contexts, Candlemas has historical associations with folklore and weather prediction. Proverbs related to this day, such as "If Candlemas Day be fair and bright, winter will have another flight; if Candlemas Day be clouds and rain, winter is gone and will not come again," highlight the anticipation of the weather patterns in the coming months. Candlemas is also linked to the superstition that if a hibernating animal emerges from its burrow on this day, winter will be prolonged.
Overall, Candlemas signifies an important religious observance and serves as a reminder of the ongoing themes of light, purification, and the transition from winter to spring in various cultural and religious traditions.
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A quarterly term, 2d Feb.; a feast in the Ch. of Eng. and in the R. Cath. Ch. in honour of the purification of the Virgin Mary-on which occasion, in the R. Cath. Ch., many candles are used, and those intended for use in the churches for the whole year are blessed.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for CANDLEMAS
- xandlemas
- vandlemas
- fandlemas
- dandlemas
- czndlemas
- csndlemas
- cwndlemas
- cqndlemas
- cabdlemas
- camdlemas
- cajdlemas
- cahdlemas
- canslemas
- canxlemas
- canclemas
- canflemas
- canrlemas
- canelemas
- candkemas
Etymology of CANDLEMAS
The word "Candlemas" is derived from the combination of two words: "candle" and "Mass".
The word "candle" comes from the Old English word "candela" and is ultimately derived from the Latin word "candela", meaning "a light, torch, or candle".
The word "Mass" comes from the Latin word "missa", which was originally used to signify the dismissal of the congregation at the end of the church service. Over time, it came to refer specifically to the Eucharistic liturgy or the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.
In Christianity, Candlemas refers to the feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is celebrated on February 2nd. It is also known as the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple.
Similar spelling words for CANDLEMAS
- cantle,
- candlepins,
- candela,
- canoodle,
- Candelaria,
- candlestick,
- candle,
- candelabra,
- candlenut,
- candlewood,
- candler,
- candlelight,
- candlemaker,
- candlepower,
- candlewick,
- candelilla,
- candle flame,
- candleberry,
- cantley.
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