Candlemas traditions

Candlemas, celebrated on February 2, marks the presentation of Jesus at the Temple and the purification of Mary. Traditionally, churches bless candles, symbolizing Christ as the light of the world. In various cultures, it involves different customs: in some places, it signifies the end of the Christmas season. Groundhog Day in the U.S. also coincides with Candlemas, drawing on the idea of weather predictions. In countries like Mexico, it can feature the "Rosca de Reyes," a sweet bread. Overall, Candlemas combines religious significance with local traditions, highlighting themes of light, renewal, and community.