"On Candlemas, whether it snows or rains, we are out of winter, but if it's sunny we'll still have it for at least a month."
It's almost time for Candlemas, the religious festival in which candles are blessed, which symbolize Jesus Christ, or the light of the world.
Celebrated 40 days after Christmas, 40 days after the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Candlemas was born from the presentation of Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem by Mary and Joseph, who followed the dictates prescribed by Jewish tradition, which included the purification of women who had just given birth. In this context, Simeon the Elder recognized the child as the messiah and stated that he would be "a light to enlighten the people".
Until the Second Vatican Council, Candlemas was also called the feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Since 1965, it exclusively identified the blessing of candles.
However, the festival has its roots centuries ago, at the time of Justinian, who brought forward the date of its celebration. At first, it fell 40 days after the Epiphany, as Egeria writes in the Peregrinatio. She also sees its similarity to the Jewish rite of the skylight.
Starting from the 8th century AD, then, thanks to Pope Sergius I, a long procession began to take place which started from Sant'Adriano and, crossing the Trajan Forum, reached the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
The anniversary, however, is not only linked to Christianity. The day dedicated to the blessing of the candles was deeply felt by the peasant world, who associated the rite with defense against calamities and storms, as well as the beginning of a new life cycle.
For the Celts, however, Candlemas was called Imbolc and decreed the transition from winter to spring.
Today the celebration is very heartfelt, especially in some regions.
For this special occasion, Cartografica Visceglia offers geographically themed candles. They can also become a useful accessory to illuminate and make your home more welcoming. Each candle can then be customized with maximum flexibility, depending on your needs.
Contact us to find out more.