Candlemas

Common questions

When is Candlemas in 2027?

Candlemas is February 2, forty days after Christmas. In folk tradition it is also Imbolc and Brigid's Day.

What is Candlemas for children?

The festival of the returning light. It remembers Mary and Joseph bringing the baby Jesus to the temple, where old Simeon took him in his arms, and it was the day the year's candles were made and blessed.

How do you celebrate Candlemas with children?

Dip candles in the morning, make crepes at midday, walk in the afternoon to look for snowdrops, then light all the new candles together at dusk.

How do you dip beeswax candles with children?

Melt beeswax in a tall tin set in a pan of simmering water. Dip the wick for a slow count of three, then into cool water, hang it, wait, and dip again. Twenty to thirty dips make a slender taper, and young children dip with your hand over theirs.