Candlemas and Groundhog’s Day



Today we honor the Presentation of Jesus, the Light of the World into the Temple in accordance with Jewish law. Today officially closes the Christmas season and Spring begins in many countries. 

February 2nd marks 40 days since the birth of Christ on Christmas and is also the midway point between Winter and Spring. Some cultures will celebrate today as the dawning of Spring just as Jesus’ Presentation is the dawning of Salvation. This is because Simeon, holding Jesus in His arms says “my eyes have beheld your salvation.” In Jewish Law the firstborn male is dedicated to God on the 40th day since birth and the child’s mother is gone through the rites of purification. For this reason today is a shared feast of Mother and Son. Just as Jesus was baptized as an example to us and an expression of His humility, so too do Jesus and Mary subject themselves to the law though unnecessary (because of their statuses as God and His Immaculate Mother) as an exercise in humility and obedience to God’s will. Today is called Candlemas because candles were traditionally blessed today to celebrate the light that came into the world. The midway between winter and spring gave rise to the weather prediction events associated with Candlemas and Groundhog’s day. Candlemas marks the “final opportunity” to end the Christmas season because today marks the final commemoration of an event in Christ’s infancy. Any nativity scenes set up for Christmas should now be taken down. The special indulgence for the anniversary of the first scene also ends today. 

This event in the life of Christ is the reason for the annual celebration of the Day for Consecrated Life. In 2024 this feast is also the First Friday of the month which is devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The First Friday in February is also wear red day for heart health. 

The candles blessed today are tied in red ribbon and used for the blessing of the throats for the February 3rd feast of St. Blaise. This custom occurs typically the first Sunday in February. St. Blaise is the patron of throat illnesses as he saved someone through his intercession from choking and the red ribbon recalls his martyrdom. 

Today is a good day to pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary because the 4th mystery is the Presentation. 

Candlemas Customs  (Please note some of the liturgical customs are before Vatican II and have been changed.) 

Candlemas Simplified

Candlemas in Ireland 




(Crepes are often eaten on this day from belief that they’re either shaped like the sun on this day that celebrates Jesus, the light of the world, because it is the seasonal midpoint or because Pope Gelasius I gave them to poor pilgrims on this feast day.)



Groundhog's Day Specials (see also "Jack Frost" by Rankin Bass)


Animal Ethics Note: Please refrain from beeswax candles and opt for a humane option such as soy candles and be sure to support animal welfare. Animals are fellow created beings and deserve respect not to be used for sport, entertainment, fashion or food. Let’s not just use Groundhogs as props but actually treat them with the dignity they desire and deserve. Also opt for vegan ingredients in your crepes and any feast day treats.

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