If Candlemas Day be fair and bright,
Winter will have another flight;
If Candlemas Day be foul with rain,
Winter is gone and won’t come again.
That’s how the old rhyme goes. But here in Atlantic Canada, we know winter doesn’t just pack up and leave in February—global warming or not. Over the years, Anglican Life has shared a few articles about Candlemas, one of the oldest Christian celebrations, but I think that it’s worth revisiting and thinking about again.
On February 2nd, Christmas is officially over. In medieval times, people believed that decorations left up after Candlemas might attract goblins! So, if your tree is still up, now’s the time to take it down—just in case.
These days, we don’t believe in goblins, and most people take their decorations down long before Candlemas. In fact, some folks are so eager to be done that their trees are out on the curb on Boxing Day! But goblins or not, it’s worth remembering that many Christian traditions are tied to older customs. Some people see this as a bad thing, but it’s really a strength. The Church has always taken what’s familiar and reshaped it through the lens of the Gospel.
Candlemas customs, like the blessing of candles, remind us that Christ is the light of the world. These rituals come from older traditions of lighting fires to push back the darkness of winter. In farming communities, Candlemas also marked the turning of the year—a time to prepare for the season ahead. Instead of fighting these connections, the Church embraced them, blending Scripture with everyday life.
In pre-Christian England, February was a time for purification and seasonal change. The Anglo-Saxons celebrated Imbolc, honouring Brigid, a goddess of fertility and light. The Church lined up Candlemas with these traditions, focusing on Jesus as the light who shines in the darkness. Based on Luke 2:22–40, Candlemas celebrates Mary and Joseph bringing Jesus to the temple, where Simeon recognised him as “a light to lighten the Gentiles.”
All of this came to North America with settlers and is still part of the Anglican Church of Canada today. Such traditions remind us that the Church isn’t separate from the world, but works within it—faith can make the ordinary sacred.
Candlemas invites us to take some time and reflect during the dark days of winter—February is a short month, but a cold and dark one. It’s a reminder that Christianity is not just about abandoning ancient stories and customs. By taking old traditions and connecting them to the message of Christ, Candlemas shows us how the light of the Gospel shines through every part of life, bringing warmth and hope to all who seek it. Whether through candlelight, community, or simple moments of reflection, this feast is important to keep, to inspire and remind us that even in the darkest times, light is never far away.
