If you are an orthodox Christian, you probably wonder how do orthodox Christians observe candlemas. In Roman Catholicism, candlemas is one of the most important days of the year, with the celebrations including crepes, snowdrops and other symbolism.
History
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Candlemas for Orthodox Christians, you’ve come to the right place. This festival has many customs and traditions. Many Christians have candles blessed during this time and use them for the rest of the year.
The history of Candlemas for Orthodox Christians dates back to the ancient times. Historically, this festival is marked by a celebration of the purification of the Virgin Mary. It also marks the beginning of the farmer’s year.
Some Christians may remove Christmas decorations at this time of the year. Others celebrate by having their lights blessed and by bringing beeswax candles to church. Traditionally, children and adults carry homemade lanterns and sing traditional songs for rewards.
Another tradition is to bless water to commemorate Jesus’ baptism. The water is used in church services during the rest of the year.
In Western Christian countries, this day is also associated with gift giving. Although it’s not a public holiday in most countries, some churches celebrate Epiphany on this day.
Symbolism of snowdrops
For orthodox Christians, Candlemas is a time to bring beeswax candles to church to be blessed. It is also a day of purification and a time to remember the birth of Christ. Symbols associated with this holy day include the Blessed candle and snowdrops.
The snowdrop is a flower that comes in various varieties. Some varieties bloom all winter in the northern hemisphere, while others may only start blooming at Candlemas. Traditionally, snowdrops were a symbol of purity, innocence, and hope. Historically, they were linked to the goddess Mary, mother of God.
This particular flower is a small white flower with delicate stems. It has been known since ancient times. In fact, snowdrops were first mentioned in an apocryphal Christian legend.
During the Middle Ages, they were called Timely Flowers Bulbous Violets. The name is derived from the Latin words for snow and violet. They were also called Purification Flowers. One of the more modern names for this flower is the Candlemas Bells.
Celebration with crepes
In some parts of Europe, Christians have a tradition of eating crepes on Candlemas. They believe that the golden colour of the crepe will attract the sun and good weather. Some orthodox Christians even ask that candles be blessed before being used in the church.
The name “Candlemas” comes from the Biblical story of Simeon and the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. On this day, it is believed that Mary went to Jerusalem to be purified.
Although there is no clear history of the origin of this holiday, it is believed to have incorporated features of the Pagan observances. These traditions were later developed into the religious festival we know today.
Crepes are eaten throughout France and other parts of Europe on this day. Eating crepes is thought to bring happiness to the family. It is also thought to bring wealth until the next Candlemas.
During the Middle Ages, French peasants prepared crepes for their families on this day. They believed that if they failed to make crepes, they would experience a bad harvest of wheat.
In Roman Catholicism
Candlemas, also known as Presentation of the Lord or Meeting of the Lord, is a Christian feast that is celebrated on February 2. It is a celebration of the Purification of the Virgin. Many Christians believe that the Virgin Mary presented Jesus to God at the temple in Jerusalem after forty days of purification.
Candlemas originated in the fourth century. In the sixth century, the celebration spread throughout the Roman Empire. Although it was not introduced by Pope Gelasius, the Roman Catholic Church did celebrate the Feast of the Presentation.
In the Western Catholic Church, Candlemas is also called the “Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” The name is a translation of the Latin term, “Meeting of the Lord.” Some Protestants also observe the Purification of the Virgin on this day.
On Candlemas, the priest blesses the beeswax candles. These are often considered to be a symbol of Jesus Christ as the light of the world. They are used in the church and for the rest of the year.
