An old proverb he says “alla candelora dal'inverno siamo fora” (with the arrival of Candelora winter is over) and this says a lot about how much this celebration was awaited in the past, in the hope that good weather could arrive and better moments could arrive for the plantations.
Candlemas, celebrated on February 2, is a festivity religious celebration that commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the Temple and the purification of Mary. This recurrence, which marks the end of the Christmas period, is particularly felt in some Italian regions, especially in the South. There are various initiatives in Sardinia and Sicily.
Origins and meaning of “Candelora”
Candlemas has its roots in Jewish tradition, according to which a mother had to purify herself after giving birth and present her firstborn to the Temple. In Christianity, this event has been interpreted as the manifestation of Jesus as a “light to enlighten the people”. The holiday is also known for the blessing of candles in churches, symbolizing Christ as the light of the world. This tradition has been adopted by the Orthodox Church and several Protestant churches, with believers bringing their own candles for the blessing.
Candlemas was already celebrated by the emperor Justinian and adopted in Rome since the 687th century, with a penitential procession established by Pope Sergius I (701-XNUMX).
Candlemas in popular tradition
In many areas, Candlemas is associated with folk proverbs that reflect popular wisdom about the weather and seasons. For example, in some traditions, the groundhog is the protagonist of Candlemas weather forecasts, similar to those of “Groundhog Day” in the United States. In conclusion, Candlemas is a holiday rich in religious and cultural meaning, combining liturgical and folk traditions, celebrating light and purification.
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