Candlemas

noun

Can·​dle·​mas ˈkan-dᵊl-məs 

: February 2 observed as a church festival in commemoration of the presentation of Christ in the temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary

Examples of Candlemas in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Groundhog Day meaning Groundhog Day's origins lie in an ancient European celebration of Candlemas, a point midway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox — the exact midpoint of astronomical winter. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 2 Feb. 2024

December 21, 2024: December solstice February 2, 2025: Groundhog Day and Candlemas, a holy day in the Christian calendar (midpoint between the solstice and equinox). —Jamie Carter, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

Groundhog Day is an American tradition dating to 1887 and has origins in the European celebration of Candlemas, the midway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox. —Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2024

The first Groundhog's Day was celebrated on Feb. 2, 1887, at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney and has roots in the Christian tradition of Candlemas where a clergy would bless and distribute candles for winter. —Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 2 Feb. 2024

Groundhog Day is rooted in the Christian holiday Candlemas, the midway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox. —The Enquirer, 2 Feb. 2024

Early Christians believed that clear skies on Candlemas Day, which falls on Feb. 2, meant a longer winter was ahead, according to the National Weather Service. —Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 2 Feb. 2024

The longstanding ritual began when Roman legions brought that tradition to the Germanic tribes who concluded that if the sun appeared on Candlemas Day and a hedgehog cast a shadow, there would be six more weeks of bad weather to come. —Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 3 Feb. 2024

While the quirky day got its start in the late 19th century, historians believe Groundhog Day stems from Candlemas, a Christian holiday that dates back to the fourth century. —Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 2 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English candelmasse, from Old English candelmæsse, from candel + mæsse mass, feast; from the candles blessed and carried in celebration of the feast

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

Candlemas

noun

Can·​dle·​mas ˈkan-dᵊl-məs 

: February 2 observed as a Christian festival in honor of the presentation of Christ in the temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary