In February, we celebrate Candlemas by preparing and tasting good pancakes. What is the origin of this festival? Why do we eat pancakes? A look back at the history and traditions of Candlemas.
The Candlemas, both children and adults generally look forward to it. The greediest know that that day delicious pancakes will be prepared with love and served with often a generous dose of sugar, jam or Nutella. But Candlemas isn’t just about a gourmet break, it’s also a religious celebration which goes back several years now and always falls on the same date.
What is Candlemas?
Today, Candlemas is a traditional christian holidayduring which in France and elsewhere it was customary to eat pancakesin all its forms, savory or sweet, or even buckwheat pancakes, as a family.
Why February 2 is Candlemas?
Each year, Candlemas takes place on February 2. In 2023, it will be Thursday, February 2. A date that commemorates the presentation of Jesus Christ in the Temple of Jerusalem and the purification of the Virgin Mary. Also at the time, in the peasant world, February 2 symbolized the end of winter and the return to agricultural work. The blessed candles were therefore kept by the superstitious peasants who relit them in order to protect future harvests and their homes.
What is the history of Candlemas?
Candlemas is originally a pagan festival which honored fecundity, fertility and purification, and thus certain deities. Over the years, in the 5th century to be precise, the Church recovered the day of Candlemas in honor of Jesus. According to Catholic tradition, Candlemas originally celebrates the presentation of the child Jesus Christ in the Temple of Jerusalem, precisely 40 days after his birth. It is in memory of this event that from 492 an annual procession was organized, during which blessed candles were lit.
What is the meaning of Candlemas for Christians?
Candlemas for Christians has a important meaning, which is found in the candles. In churches, candles are blessed and lit to symbolize Christ as the light of the world and represent the purity that wards off evil.
Why is it called Candlemas?
The Candlemas Festival takes its name from the Latin festa candelarum which means “candlelight festival”, in reference to the candles traditionally used to represent the light of Jesus Christ.
Why do we make pancakes on Candlemas?
It was during one of these processions that the traditional pancake sharing was born every February 2. In order to encourage and reward the many pilgrims who came to Rome to celebrate Candlemas, Pope Gelasius I distributed pancakes to them, called “oublies” at that time, thus giving birth to a tradition that is still respected. Over time, the pancakes also became a token of allegiance of the farmers to their lords, who were offered them every year.
Who invented pancakes?
Pancakes would have appeared 7000 years before Jesus Christ. Previously, they took the form of a relatively thick pancake, made with a dough combining water and crushed cereals. They were then cooked on a flat and hot stone or thanks to a plate placed in the fireplace. It was not until the 13th century that pancakes made their appearance in Brittany and began to be made with buckwheat brought back to France after the crusades in Asia. Qualified as a 100-day plant, buckwheat quickly flourished in this humid region, with a temperate climate and acidic soil. Pancakes were then called Krampouez in Breton. It is therefore the buckwheat pancake that was born first because crepe made from flour of wheat did not appear until the beginning of the 20th century.
As is the case for many festivals, there is an atmosphere of superstition around Candlemas that is still present today. To counter bad luck, many people do popping their first crepe with their right hand, a Louis d’or in their left hand. It’s a lucky rite. Others even before threw this first crepe over the cupboard, always out of belief…
Which country celebrates Candlemas?
Candlemas is mainly celebrated in Francebut also in Belgium. In the United States, Candlemas does not exist. The Americans rather celebrate on February 2 the day of the Groundhog, which must predict the end of the winter season.