Candlemas will be celebrated on Sunday, February 2, 2025. It takes place every year 40 days after Christmas, which marks the birth of Christ.
From pagan origins to Christian traditions
Candlemas has its roots in ancient pagan rites linked to the cycles of nature. During ancient Rome, the Lupercalia was celebrated, a festival marking purification and fertility in February.
Like many pagan festivals, this one was Christianized. For Christians, Candlemas marks the moment when Mary and Joseph presented Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem, 40 days after his birth. At that time, mothers were considered ritually impure after giving birth and could not go to a place of worship until the end of this period.
Why "Candlemas"?
The word "Candlemas" comes from the expression "feast of candles," symbolizing light. For Christians, it is a celebration of Jesus as the "light of the world." In the Catholic tradition, this feast includes a blessing of candles followed by a candlelit procession and a Mass.
Pancakes: a solar and agricultural symbol
The tradition of eating crêpes on Candlemas dates back centuries. Their round shape and golden color evoke the sun, a symbol of light and renewal in many cultures. For Christians, eating crêpes on Candlemas was also believed to ensure a good wheat harvest for the coming year.
In the Middle Ages, it was customary to distribute galettes to pilgrims on their way to Rome. Another tradition explains that making crêpes was a reminder that the end of winter was approaching, while also checking that food reserves were still sufficient.
A superstition surrounding the first pancake
A fun tradition dictates that the person making the first crêpe should perform a specific gesture: tossing it with their right hand while holding a coin in their left, formerly a gold louis. This ritual was believed to attract wealth and prosperity for the coming year.
Candlemas today
Nowadays, Candlemas is primarily a convivial occasion to gather around delicious crêpes. While religious traditions may be fading, the spirit of sharing and enjoying good food remains intact.
Candlemas around the world: diverse traditions
In Mexico, Candlemas is a public holiday marked by a unique culinary tradition: people enjoy tamales, delicious corn flour parcels that can be savory or sweet. These are often filled with meat or fruit and shared with family and friends.
In Canada and the United States, Candlemas coincides with the famous "Groundhog Day." According to tradition, if the groundhog doesn't see its shadow when it leaves its burrow, it foretells an early spring. Conversely, if it sees its shadow and returns to its burrow, winter will last another six weeks.
And to conclude: two essential crepe recipes
The recipe for Ejerkueche (Alsatian pancakes)
Ingredients for 4 persons :
- 300g flour
- ¼ liter of milk
- 6 big eggs
- 1 pinch of salt
- 50g butter
- Cooking oil
Recipe :
In a bowl, pour the flour, then add the beaten eggs, milk, and salt. Mix vigorously to obtain a smooth batter without lumps.
Heat a pan with a mixture of butter and oil.
Pour a ladleful of batter to cover the surface of the pan and cook over low heat. Flip the pancake and cook it on the other side.
Serve hot, accompanied by a green salad for an authentic and tasty meal.
The classic recipe for pancakes
Ingredients:
- 250g flour
- 4 eggs
- ½ liter of milk
- 50 g of melted butter
Recipe :
In a bowl, place the flour and make a well in the center. Add the eggs.
Mix gently, gradually incorporating the cold milk to avoid lumps.
Once the mixture is smooth, add the cooled, melted butter and mix again. If the batter seems too thick, add a little milk.
Heat a pan. Pour in a small ladleful of batter and spread it evenly. When the first side is cooked, flip the pancake to cook the other side.
Serve the crepes plain or with toppings of your choice: sugar, jam, chocolate…
Whether you choose Alsatian Ejerkueche or the classic recipe, Candlemas is the perfect opportunity to treat your loved ones. Get your pans ready, and enjoy!
