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
According to the National Weather Service website, Groundhog Day has its roots in European weather lore, where a badger or bear is the prognosticator, not a groundhog, and in Candlemas, a day for blessing candles.
—
Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
Groundhog Day is rooted in the Christian holiday Candlemas, the midway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.
—Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Feb. 2026
The belief was later adopted by the Romans as Hedgehog Day and eventually became associated with the Christian observance of Candlemas, according to the National Weather Service.
—Dallas Morning News, 31 Jan. 2026
That delicious task of fulfilling the tradition on February 2, Candlemas Day.
—Paula Soria, AZCentral.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Inside a baby Jesus figurine is hidden, and whoever finds the doll must host a party on Candlemas, Feb. 2, according to King Arthur Baking Company.
—Jordan Green, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 6 Jan. 2026
Finding the figurine in your slice of bread traditionally means you are tasked with hosting a party on Candlemas Day, Feb. 2.
—Allyson Vergara, Oc Register, 5 Jan. 2026
The full end of the season came on Feb. 2 – called Candlemas – which coincides with the older pagan holiday of Imbolc.
—Bobbi Sutherland, Fortune, 25 Dec. 2025
The image was taken above Candlemas and Vindication Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean.
—Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 24 Dec. 2025
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Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
Groundhog Day is rooted in the Christian holiday Candlemas, the midway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.
—Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Feb. 2026
The belief was later adopted by the Romans as Hedgehog Day and eventually became associated with the Christian observance of Candlemas, according to the National Weather Service.
—Dallas Morning News, 31 Jan. 2026
That delicious task of fulfilling the tradition on February 2, Candlemas Day.
—Paula Soria, AZCentral.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Inside a baby Jesus figurine is hidden, and whoever finds the doll must host a party on Candlemas, Feb. 2, according to King Arthur Baking Company.
—Jordan Green, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 6 Jan. 2026
Finding the figurine in your slice of bread traditionally means you are tasked with hosting a party on Candlemas Day, Feb. 2.
—Allyson Vergara, Oc Register, 5 Jan. 2026
The full end of the season came on Feb. 2 – called Candlemas – which coincides with the older pagan holiday of Imbolc.
—Bobbi Sutherland, Fortune, 25 Dec. 2025
The image was taken above Candlemas and Vindication Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean.
—Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 24 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Candlemas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Candlemas. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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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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