Candlemass

Candlemass or the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple is celebrated on 6th February. It remembers Mary and Joseph taking the baby Jesus to the temple as part of the Jewish rites of purification. At that time the prophets Simion and Anna recognised the baby as the Messiah. It is the last day of the Christmas cycle of prayers. As such the candles for Christmas and Advent and the Christmas Nativity set will remain in Church until this dally. It acquired its name as the date when candles were blessed and taken home to give light over the winter months.

Traditionally the priest wears white or gold vestments on this day.