Do you know what is celebrated every year on February 2nd? Believers today go to church for the traditional celebration of Candlemas. It coincides with the presentation of Jesus in the Temple, as this date indicates the 40 days after the birth of Jesus. But what is important to know about this anniversary? In Italy it is a diversified tradition in many regions. A party between moments of liturgy but also of legend.
Candlemas, candles are blessed in churches
It will have happened in this day to see people leaving the churches of the various cities with candles in their hands. Today, in fact, candles are blessed in every celebration. They represent Christ who is "the light to enlighten the people". This is how the baby Jesus was called by the old Simeon at the time of his presentation in the Temple of Jerusalem. And it is therefore customary to bring candles to church and have them blessed, so that they can illuminate the houses with the light of Christ.
The legend of Candlemas linked to the seasons
But the Candlemas festival is not just this. In fact in many regions Proverbs related to this occasion have spread. It is also thought to be linked to the count of the seasons. In fact, Candlemas is preceded by the days known as those “of the blackbird". That is, on January 29th, 30th and 31st. The name derives from an ancient legend: on January 28 a blackbird screamed after having resisted the coldest month of the year “I no longer take care of you Domine, who came out of the winter”. A reproach, so to speak, addressed to the month just ended, which provoked the anger of January, so much so as to generate three days of cold in February, still considered among the coldest of the year.
For this reason, it is said, Candlemas represents the very end of the freezing winter and the start of the new season. In Piedmont, on the other hand, Candlemas is called “Bear's Day”.
Light is a sign of rebirth
However, Candlemas is considered the festival of light par excellence. In fact, in many countries in the East and West today, light and rebirth are celebrated. For example, in the Celtic tradition it corresponds to the Feast of Imbolc, which however is celebrated on February XNUMXst. Precisely the festival of light that awakens and symbolizes rebirth in anticipation of the new season.
Proverbs related to this day
Along our peninsula, other traditions related to Candlemas are known. There are in fact many known proverbs. And many of them are linked to seasons and weather forecasts. Based on what the weather is like these days, you can understand what the second part of winter will be like. All, therefore, to look out of our windows on this day. As one of the best known proverbs says, in fact, "Madonna della Candlemas, sèmo fòr of winter, but if it rains or a wind blows, of winter we are still inside". Many proverbs in other cities. Like in Bologna where it says "Al dé dl'Inzariôla, or ch'al naiva or ch'al piôva dal invêren a sän fòra, mo s'ai é al suladèl a in arän anc pr un msarèl"That is" The day of Candlemas, whether it snows or rains, we are out in the winter, but if there is the sun we will still have it for a month ".
