Candlemas

9.7

A Christian celebration on February 2 that remembers when Jesus was brought to the temple, often with candles

noun
/ˈkændlˌmæs/

: Candelaria

Many Christians celebrate Candlemas on February 2 to honor the presentation of Jesus at the temple.

Examples

Many Christians celebrate Candlemas on February 2.
In Scotland, Candlemas historically signified one of the quarter days for settling rents.
Every year, the church holds a special service on Candlemas to mark the presentation of Christ.
Many cultures have traditions involving the blessing of candles on Candlemas.
Is Candlemas recognized in your country?
Every year, the church holds a special service on Candlemas to mark the presentation of Christ.
In Scotland, Candlemas historically signified one of the quarter days for settling rents.

Synonyms

Feb 2

vsCandlemas

1 1.4

A Christian feast day on February 2 and a traditional Scottish day when rent is due

refers to the feast by its traditional name rather than the numeric date

Candlemas Day

vsCandlemas

8.6

A Christian festival on February 2 remembering Jesus' presentation at the temple and a Scottish quarter day for paying rents

is the traditional shorter name used for the same observance

Compounds

Candlemas Day

8.6

A Christian festival on February 2 remembering Jesus' presentation at the temple and a Scottish quarter day for paying rents

Surface Forms

Candlemas singular

Candlemases plural

Morphology

Candlemas = candle + mass (semi-transparent) = candle + mas

The components 'candle' + 'mass' are literal and recognizable, but the term denotes a specific liturgical feast day (a cultural/religious concept) that learners may not infer from the parts alone.

Etymology

Candlemas comes from the two older words candle and mass, meaning 'candle' and 'church service'. So it is the church day for blessing candles on February 2, and in places like Scotland it was also a day for paying rent and other yearly payments.