Candlemas

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• Candlemas — • Also called: Purification of the Blessed Virgin, Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple Catholic Encyclopedia. Kevin Knight. 2006. Candlemas     Candlemas      …   Catholic encyclopedia

• Candlemas — [kan′dəlməs] n. [ME candelmasse < OE candelmæsse: see CANDLE & MASS1] a church feast, Feb. 2, commemorating the purification of the Virgin Mary: candles for sacred uses are blessed on this day: also Candlemas Day …   English World dictionary

• Candlemas — Can dle*mas, n. [AS. candelm[ae]sse, candel candle + m[ae]sse mass.] The second day of February, on which is celebrated the feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary; so called because the candles for the altar or other sacred uses are blessed …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

• Candlemas — See quarter day. Collins dictionary of law. W. J. Stewart. 2001 …   Law dictionary

• Candlemas — ► NOUN ▪ a Christian festival held on 2 February to commemorate the purification of the Virgin Mary (after childbirth, according to Jewish law) and the presentation of Christ in the Temple …   English terms dictionary

• Candlemas — see if Candlemas day be sunny and bright, winter will have another flight; if Candlemas day be cloudy with rain, winter is gone, and won’t come again Candlemas day, put beans in the clay; put candles and candle sticks away …   Proverbs new dictionary

• Candlemas — /kan dl meuhs, mas /, n. a church festival, February 2, in honor of the presentation of the infant Jesus in the Temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary: candles are blessed on this day. Also called Candlemas Day. [bef. 1050; ME candelmasse …   Universalium

• Candlemas — (2 February)    This is the English name for a religious festival, the last of the Christmas cycle, which celebrates the Purification (i.e. the *churching) of the Virgin Mary 40 days after the birth of Jesus, in accordance with Jewish custom. It… …   A Dictionary of English folklore

• Candlemas — noun Etymology: Middle English candelmasse, from Old English candelmæsse, from candel + mæsse mass, feast; from the candles blessed and carried in celebration of the feast Date: before 12th century February 2 observed as a church festival in… …   New Collegiate Dictionary

• Candlemas — 2 February. This Church feast celebrates the purification of Mary and also Christ s presentation in the Temple. At the Temple, Simeon, after a revelation, lifted up the child, calling him a light to lighten the gentiles . Candles are blessed… …   Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases