Candlemas (Presentation of Christ in the Temple) · Eyd-e Taqdim-e Masih be Ma'bad

Culture of origin: Christian · Cultural

Holiday sources: Australia (national) · Canada (federal) · Christianity · Eastern Orthodox (new calendar) · France · Germany (nationwide) · United Kingdom (England and Wales) · United States (federal)

Candlemas recalls Mary and Joseph bringing the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem forty days after his birth, as the Law required, where the aged Simeon called him "a light for revelation to the Gentiles" (Luke 2:22–40). From that light come the blessing of the year's candles and the procession with lit candles. It is a Principal Feast of the Church of England and a feast of the Catholic and Lutheran churches. In France and Belgium crêpes are eaten on the day, La Chandeleur.