Candlemas Day — 2 February

Christians around the world celebrate the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple on Candlemas Day. In some countries, Christians mark the day by removing their Christmas decorations. Its roots are found in the Biblical passage of Luke 2:22-40. Many Christians bring candles to their local churches to be blessed and then used throughout the year. The candles represent Jesus’ command that his followers be “a light in the world.” Candlemas, on February 2, is marked by the Feast of the Presentation, also known as the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary.