Annually on the second of February, the Catholic Church celebrates the day when Mary and Joseph presented the Child Jesus at the temple – the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.
The act of Mary and Joseph’s presentation of the Child Jesus at the temple is by the Law of Moses. The law indicates that after a mother gave birth to a child, she would undergo 40 days of purification. During this time, “she shall not touch anything that is consecrated nor enter the Sanctuary until the days of her purification are completed.” (Leviticus 12:4) After purification, the presentation of the child at the temple would be done. This is the reason why the feast falls on February 2 and is also referred to as the “Purification of Mary”.
Eastern Church first observed the feast and in the 6th century, Rome began observing it in the West with solemn blessings and a procession of candles in the liturgy making the feast popularly known as “Candlemas.” On celebrating the liturgy, families observe the tradition of bringing candles to be blessed – these candles, in turn, are being used in Catholic homes’ altars during the year.
REFERENCES:
Feast of the Presentation of the Lord https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2020-02-02
Liturgical Notes for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord https://www.bostoncatholic.org/sites/g/files/zjfyce811/files/2020-01/Feast%20of%20the%20Presentation%20on%20a%20Sunday%20of%20OT.pdf
The Tradition of Candlemas https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/the-tradition-of-candlemas
