In France, La Chandeleur, also known as Candlemas, is celebrated every 2 February (40 days after Christmas Day) by making crêpes. The tradition of feasting on crêpes stuffed with sweet and savoury fillings is a popular one, although there are several thoughts on the origins of the day.
It is a day where candles are blessed in churches around the country, and all the candles in the house should be lit. Tradition also suggests that the crib from the Christmas nativity should not be stored until Candlemas, which is the last Christmas Day cycle. It is a feast of crêpes meant to celebrate the purification of the Virgin Mary and the presentation of baby Jesus.
It began as a day dedicated to worshipping the god Pan, as this was a custom Roman tradition. However, this Candlemas tradition came to an end in 472 when Pope Gelasius I decided to Christianize the holiday. It is also suggested that the pancakes, round in shape and gold in colour, are reminiscent of the solar disc, referring to the return of spring after a dark and cold winter.
Whatever the reasons this is a day that is fun and easy to celebrate!
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