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
Even before that, Candlemas had roots stretching back to pre-Christian Celtic seasonal celebrations.
—
Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2025
The History of Groundhog Day Groundhog Day has its roots in the ancient Christian tradition of Candlemas when clergy would bless candles and distribute them for winter.
—Ashley Parks, Newsweek, 2 Feb. 2025
There is a tradition that the person who cuts the piece with a figurine inside is supposed to bring or make tamales on Candlemas or Día de la Candelaria on Feb. 2.
—Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025
The tradition has roots in the ancient Christian tradition of Candlemas when clergy would bless and distribute candles needed for winter.
—Joyce Orlando, The Tennessean, 1 Feb. 2024
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
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Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2025
The History of Groundhog Day Groundhog Day has its roots in the ancient Christian tradition of Candlemas when clergy would bless candles and distribute them for winter.
—Ashley Parks, Newsweek, 2 Feb. 2025
There is a tradition that the person who cuts the piece with a figurine inside is supposed to bring or make tamales on Candlemas or Día de la Candelaria on Feb. 2.
—Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025
The tradition has roots in the ancient Christian tradition of Candlemas when clergy would bless and distribute candles needed for winter.
—Joyce Orlando, The Tennessean, 1 Feb. 2024
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
Cite this Entry
“Candlemas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Candlemas. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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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
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