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Catholic churches in France, Belgium, and Swiss Romandy celebrate Candlemas (French: La Chandeleur, Dutch: Maria-Lichtmis) on 2 February. Tradition says that manger scenes should not be put away until Candlemas, which is the last feast of the Christmas cycle. [citation needed] Candlemas in those countries is also considered the day of crêpes. [18]
Christmas lights in Verona, Italy. Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree with lights in London, England. Christmas lights (also known as fairy lights, festive lights or string lights) are lights often used for decoration in celebration of Christmas, often on display throughout the Christmas season including Advent and Christmastide.
The revels are named from the Latin rebellare meaning "to rebel" and refer to a period of entertainment centred on Christmas. [2] In the medieval era there was a general nationwide period of revelry that lasted from All Saints' Eve (also known as All Hallows Eve or Halloween, 31 October) to Candlemas (2 February). [3]
The variation extends even to the issue of how to count the days. If Christmas Day is the first of the twelve days, then Twelfth Night would be on January 5, the eve of Epiphany. If December 26, the day after Christmas, is the first day, then Twelfth Night falls on January 6, the evening of Epiphany itself. [17]
A Christmas tree inside a home, with the top of the tree containing a decoration symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem. [18]The Christmas tree was first used by German Lutherans in the 16th century, with records indicating that a Christmas tree was placed in the Cathedral of Strassburg in 1539, under the leadership of the Protestant Reformer, Martin Bucer.
In medieval times, Candlemas eve (Feb. 1st) marked the day when all Christmas decorations, including the Christmas tree and the Nativity scene, were taken down. However, the tradition of ending Christmastide on Candlemas has slowly waned, except in some pockets of the Hispanic world where Candlemas (or La Fiesta de la Candelaria) is still an ...
It divides the year into a growing season—characterized by milder weather, intense activity, and fewer festivities—and a dormant season in winter, during which most celebrations take place. The main festivities include New Year’s Day, Epiphany, Candlemas, Mardi Gras, and Mid-Lent, all occurring between Christmas and Easter.
The cross-quarter days are four holidays falling in between the quarter days: Candlemas (2 February), May Day (1 May), Lammas (1 August), and All Hallows (1 November). At many schools, class terms would begin on the quarter days; for example, the autumn term would start on 29 September, and thus continues to be called the Michaelmas term ...