Candlemas, Candlemas Day or, as the Orthodox Church prefers it, the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, is celebrated 40 days after Christmas, on February 2. For Catholics, Candlemas is one of the 24 most important feasts of the year.
In the Middle Ages, candles to be used in churches the following year were blessed on Candlemas Day. The Evangelical-Lutheran Church marks Candlemas on the Sunday following February 2. The biblical theme of the feast is the presentation of the baby Jesus at the Temple and the divine light that came with him into the world. In blessing the child and his parents, old Simeon praised God for the salvation he sent for all nations, and for the light he shines for his people of Israel.
On February 2, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Presentation of Christ in the Temple. It is one of the 12 Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church. According to Jewish tradition, 40 days after the birth of a child, when the period of purification for a postnatal mother has passed, a sacrifice should be made for the child. According to Mosaic Law (Law of Moses), the firstborn child belonged to God and should be presented at the Temple at the age of 40 days.
