It's an ancient pagan holy day that was, like so much, incorporated into Christianity. The point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, when one might be able to rise in the morning without having to light a candle.
It's also not surprising that this is when we have groundhog prediction of spring of winter.
It always cheers me when I encounter these holy days that are more sanguine about spring than I am here in the northeast in February. On the Jewish calendar, we have tu b'shevat the new year of the trees, which always falls in winter here.
Love this, Susie......and how timely as I just returned from Church where I lit a votive candle for a 98 year old man who recently died from our parish. He served the Church faithfully for 40 years taking care of the Altar, unlocking and locking the church, turning lights on and off, lighting candles for Mass and making sure the Priest knows what he’s doing😂One Pastor called him Monsignor in jest. I miss him. He was a humble and faithful man who walked to church EVERY day......rain or shine....until his legs gave out......after pushing himself to church alone to count the candle money leaving a trail of blood behind him. He was thought to be lost until someone who knew him well.....knew where he would be. He had fallen. Rest In Peace, Vincent and keep the heavenly candles lit for us as we find our way back home......🕯
Beautiful that you posted this on Candlemas! (perhaps not intentional but quite fitting)
Wow! I had no idea. Can you tell me a little about Candlemas?
It's an ancient pagan holy day that was, like so much, incorporated into Christianity. The point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, when one might be able to rise in the morning without having to light a candle.
It's also not surprising that this is when we have groundhog prediction of spring of winter.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/whats-the-significance-of-candlemas/ss-AATomp4#image=14
It always cheers me when I encounter these holy days that are more sanguine about spring than I am here in the northeast in February. On the Jewish calendar, we have tu b'shevat the new year of the trees, which always falls in winter here.
Resonated. Sending hugs.
That is exceptionally kind.
Love this, Susie......and how timely as I just returned from Church where I lit a votive candle for a 98 year old man who recently died from our parish. He served the Church faithfully for 40 years taking care of the Altar, unlocking and locking the church, turning lights on and off, lighting candles for Mass and making sure the Priest knows what he’s doing😂One Pastor called him Monsignor in jest. I miss him. He was a humble and faithful man who walked to church EVERY day......rain or shine....until his legs gave out......after pushing himself to church alone to count the candle money leaving a trail of blood behind him. He was thought to be lost until someone who knew him well.....knew where he would be. He had fallen. Rest In Peace, Vincent and keep the heavenly candles lit for us as we find our way back home......🕯
Thank you for this, Patty. It's such a fruitful exchange...his devotion and your caring.