Candlemas
Ranked #17,052 in Holidays & Celebrations, #302,922 overall
Bring Light Into Your World
Where I live, in the north central United States, February 2nd is about the time some of the songbirds native to my area start singing their mating songs, especially the bright red cardinals and the magenta and brown house finches. There is definitely a sense of awakening in nature. Ewes give birth this time of year as well. It seems very natural to honor this special time of rebirth before spring is in it's full glory and some of us are still in the heart of winter.
For reasons I don't quite understand myself, I feel drawn to recognize this day that, like so many other holidays, celebrates light in the darkness. There are a lot of webpages that have information about it from both the pagan and Catholic points of view. This page is my own interpretation of the holiday. Here are some ideas about how to celebrate Candlemas as a way to enlighten your life.
Image seen here is "Imbolc" by Andy (bellydraft) on Flickr. Do not reprint without attribution.
Thirty Day Preparation
You don't have to wait for the 2nd of February to start working with the light. It would be ideal to start at the Winter Solstice and create a practice of working with candle light all the way through. But thirty seems to be a magic number and that would mean starting on January 4 which is about the time, for me anyway, that the post holiday let down kicks in.You could be as simple or elaborate as you like. Maybe you just want to clear and area and put a special candle there that you burn for 15 minutes as the sun sets each day. If you have to start your day in the dark you could do the same. Or both!
Or you could create an altar where you add something new each day, turning it into a 3-D collage. Choose the things you want to add light to in your life and make representations of them to put on your altar.
Show your appreciation and love for the light by leaving gifts, perhaps a bit of candy overnight that you eat first thing in the morning.
Wear a candle pin for 30 days and when people ask you about it tell them about the areas of your life you want to bring light into.
Hand Engraved Votive Holders
by daydreem designs on Etsy
These are perfect candle holders for Candlemas as they bring in the images of nature from the end of the winter.
SALE 4 Hand Engraved Glass Votive Holders SALE | Price: $0
Four, 2.5" Engraved Glass Votive Holders
SALE ** Four, Six, and Twelve Votive Holders Engraved With 'Branches and Leaves' 10% Off
H... (full description)
Four Glass Votive Holders, Hand Engraved . 'Reaching Branches' | Price: $0
four 2.5" engraved glass candle holders
Engraved with 'Reaching Branches' surrounding each glass. These candle holders are perfect for... (full description)
Floating Flakes . 2 Pint Glasses Hand Engraved With Snowflakes | Price: $0
Two heavy weight, hand engraved 16 oz. pint glasses,
5.75" high by 3.5" diameter at the top and just slightly over 2.5" diameter at th... (full description)
FREE SHIPPING . 'Tree Of Love' . Two Hand Engraved Glass Candle Holders . Featured On The Front Page | Price: $0
two, 2.5" engraved glass votive holders
Hand engraved with tree branches and hearts surrounding. The 'Tree Of Love' candle holder brin... (full description)
6 Hand Engraved Candle Holders . 'Branches and Leaves' | Price: $0
Six 2.5" Engraved Glass Votive Holders
Hand engraved with 'Leaves and Branches' reaching around the glass. Using a high speed rotary t... (full description)
Brigid, Goddess and Saint
The Deity Celebrated at Imbolc
Candlemas and Imbolc is also known as Brigid's Day. I have created an entire page about her.
Candlemas: Feast of Flames
Candlemas: Feast of Flames (Holiday Series)
Amazon Price: $4.89 (as of 05/30/2012)
Beyond the darkness of winter, there is an oasis of light and warmth on the journey from solstice to spring. Known as Candlemas, Imbolg, Brigantia, or Lupercus, it is a hope-filled celebration held in early February to welcome the returning light and the promise of spring. Candlemas sheds light on the origins, lore, and customs of this ancient holy day with:
·Myths and stories: Brigit the Goddess, Brigid the Saint, and her meaning today
·Candlemas magick and divination: flame scrying, hearthside divination, candle magick, and protection magick
·Late winter goodies and feasts: Brede's Braid Bread, Guiness Stew, Bubble and Squeak, Mulled Cider or Wine
·February festivals and traditions: rituals for purification, blessings, and renewal, from the Irish, British, Scots, Welsh, Norwegian, Greek, Roman, and Chinese cultures
·Seasonal crafts and games: Brigid's crosses or sun wheels, "Begging for Biddy," and a Brigit corn dolly
Blog Posts About Candlemas
- Benet Academy
- This included securing authentic cakes for the Mardi Gras party and preparing heaps of crepes for Candlemas. At the beginning of class in French 4/5, it was not uncommon for her teacher to have to interrupt the free-flow of animated conversation in ...
- May Book Club: Pure
- There is no fire in the room, though it is the third week in October and cold as Candlemas. His legs and back are stiffening from it ? the cold and three days of travelling through it...? 'An engineer in pre-revolutionary France is tasked with clearing ...
Tweets About Candlemas
by Intuitive
I'm an artist, massage therapist, Reiki Master, crafter, blogger, foodie. I'm also the neighborhood Squid Angel for the Alternative Healing, Spiritual... more »
- 114 featured lenses
- Winner of 27 trophies!
- Top lens » Doodle Art
Explore related pages
The Creative Squid
Creativity + Squidoo
