Candlemas is a Christian holiday that commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary 40 days after giving birth. However, in pagan traditions, Candlemas has a different significance, often associated with the return of light and the coming of spring. In modern pagan celebrations, Candlemas is seen as a time to honor the goddess Brigid, who represents the transition between winter and spring. Brigid is associated with fire, poetry, and healing, making Candlemas a perfect occasion to celebrate her attributes. During the pagan celebration of Candlemas, people commonly light candles in every room of their homes as a way to welcome back the light after the long winter months. This practice symbolizes the return of warmth, personal growth, and renewed vitality.
This time of year has been celebrated for centuries in many ways in many places. Candlemas refers to the Christian festival, marking 40 days after the birth of Christ. It is a holiday of purification, with the candles representing the purifying nature of light, both spiritually and physically. It is also the ritual end to the Christmas season, and often Christmas greenery are burned on this day, and holiday decorations are put away.
But even before the creation of the Christian liturgical year, in agrarian societies, people were greatly attuned to the turning of the seasons, and celebrated the summer and winter solstices the longest and shortest days of the year; the equinoxes, the days halfway between the solstices which mark the beginning of the spring and fall seasons. When the early church created its liturgical calendars and feast days, they mapped them onto existing Roman pagan holidays, which corresponded with the solar calendar.
This practice symbolizes the return of warmth, personal growth, and renewed vitality. Another significant aspect of pagan Candlemas celebrations is the crafting of Brigid's crosses. These crosses are traditionally made from straw or reeds and are hung above doorways to protect homes from evil spirits and bring good luck.
Candlemas: Celebrating the Return of Light
Most of us know February 2 as Groundhog Day and think of it as little more than a silly superstition. But did you know that Groundhog Day is a vestige of an ancient holiday which marks the midway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox?
For those of us living in the wintry northern hemisphere, making it half-way through winter is a cause for celebration!
This time of year has been celebrated for centuries in many ways in many places. Candlemas refers to the Christian festival, marking 40 days after the birth of Christ. It is a holiday of purification, with the candles representing the purifying nature of light, both spiritually and physically. It is also the ritual end to the Christmas season, and often Christmas greenery are burned on this day, and holiday decorations are put away.
But even before the creation of the Christian liturgical year, in agrarian societies, people were greatly attuned to the turning of the seasons, and celebrated the summer and winter solstices: the longest and shortest days of the year; the equinoxes, the days halfway between the solstices which mark the beginning of the spring and fall seasons. They also celebrated the cross-quarter days between the equinox and the solstice. Candlemas is such a day.
Candlemas is a time of year when the lengthening of daylight hours becomes noticeable. The day is celebrated because it means that winter will soon be over, and spring will come. The time of darkness and fallow earth will soon end, and new light and life-sustaining growth will come.
During a time when one’s diet and income relied on what could be grown locally, the end of winter was more than a time of cabin fever and seasonal depression–it could also be a time of hunger and poverty.
Creating Brigid's crosses is considered a sacred act that invites her blessings and protection. In addition to candle lighting and crafting crosses, some pagans perform rituals to honor Brigid's connection to healing and inspiration. These rituals may involve prayers, meditations, or the creation of an altar to pay homage to her presence and seek her guidance. Commemorating Candlemas in a pagan fashion allows individuals to honor both the Christian and pagan aspects of this holiday. By recognizing Brigid as a patroness of creativity, protection, and healing, people can celebrate the turning of the seasons and the return of light in a way that aligns with their personal beliefs and spirituality..
Reviews for "Reclaiming Candlemas: Celebrating in a Pagan Context"
1. Emily - 1 star
I was really disappointed with "Commemorating Candlemas in a Pagan Fashion". The book promised an exploration of a pagan celebration but instead it was filled with biased opinions and misinformation. The author clearly had a negative view of pagan traditions and failed to provide a well-rounded and accurate depiction. I would not recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about pagan celebrations.
2. Andrew - 2 stars
I was hoping "Commemorating Candlemas in a Pagan Fashion" would provide a thoughtful and informative perspective on the connection between Candlemas and pagan traditions. However, I found this book to be quite shallow and lacking in depth. The author seemed more focused on condemning pagan practices rather than offering any real insights. I was left unsatisfied and would not recommend this book to those seeking a well-researched and unbiased exploration.
3. Sarah - 1 star
"Commemorating Candlemas in a Pagan Fashion" was a complete disappointment. The author's clear disdain for pagan celebrations was evident throughout the book, making it difficult to take any information seriously. The book provides no real analysis or understanding of the connections between Candlemas and pagan traditions, but instead offers judgmental and biased perspectives. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a fair and objective exploration of the topic.