Candlemas
February 2, Friday
Biblical basis
According to Jewish tradition, parents had to bring their firstborn to the temple on the 40th day after birth to dedicate him to God. Mary and Joseph fulfilled this law and brought the infant Jesus to the temple. There they were met by the elder Simeon, to whom God promised that he would not die until he saw the Savior. Simeon, seeing the baby Jesus, took him in his arms and said the famous prayer "Now lettest thou thyself go" ("Now lettest thou thyself go"), expressing his gratitude to God for having seen the salvation of mankind.
Celebration Traditions
Divine Service. Solemn liturgies are held in the Orthodox and Catholic churches. In the Orthodox tradition, candles are blessed on the Meeting of the Lord, which symbolize the light of Christ who came into the world. These candles are considered a talisman against troubles and natural disasters, and are lit during prayers at home.
Blessing of Water. Many churches also perform a water blessing ceremony similar to that performed on Epiphany. This water is considered healing and is used throughout the year for blessing and purification.
Sretenskaya Candle. In the Orthodox tradition, a candle blessed on the Meeting of the Lord is considered a special talisman. It is kept in the house and lit in moments of danger or to pray for the protection of the family.
Signs and customs. In folk tradition, the holiday of the Meeting of the Lord is associated with the transition from winter to spring. There are beliefs that on this day winter "meets" spring, and this determines what the weather will be like in the remaining winter months. If it is sunny on the Meeting of the Lord, spring will come early, but if there is a snowstorm and cold, winter will last.
Candlemas in other years
- 2021 February 2, Tuesday
- 2022 February 2, Wednesday
- 2023 February 2, Thursday
- 2025 February 2, Sunday