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What is the connection between the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Candlemas, and Groundhog Day?

The feast of the Presentation of the Lord was originally celebrated as the feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary due to an ancient Mosaic law explained in Leviticus (Lev 12:6-7). Luke’s Gospel also references these two Jewish rituals taking place in the Temple on the same day. It wasn’t until 1969 when the Church renamed the feast the Presentation of the Lord. For a better understanding, let us look at liturgical calendar history.

The Feast of the Presentation

Originally, the feast was celebrated on February 14, 40 days after Epiphany on January 6. This was because Christmas wasn't yet celebrated as its own feast. It was not until the last quarter of the fourth century when the Church at Rome began to celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord on December 25. When this became a universal feast day, the Feast of the Presentation was moved to February 2, 40 days later.

Why Candlemas?

The idea of Candlemas was inspired by the words of the Canticle of Simeon "a light to the revelation of the Gentiles." By the 11th century, the custom of blessing candles on the Feast of the Presentation had developed in the West. The candles were lit and a procession took place through the darkened church while the Canticle of Simeon was sung. Because of this, the feast also became known as Candlemas. While the procession and blessing of the candles is not often performed in the United States today, Candlemas is still an important feast in many European countries.

Candlemas and Groundhog Day

With Candlemas, we celebrate the coming of the Light of the World. But a shadow also passes; a shadow foretelling the suffering that will precede the victory of the Light over darkness. Simeon not only proclaimed that he had seen his salvation, but also told the Mother of our Lord that her share would include a heart pierced by sorrow.

This emphasis on light and a shadow passing, as well as the timing of the feast falling as it does in the last weeks of winter, led to our secular holiday – Groundhog Day. And of course, it is celebrated on February 2, the Christian feast day established by the Church centuries ago.

While February 2 is not a holy day of obligation, it is a beautiful day on the Church’s calendar. It brings an end to a 40-day celebration of Christ’s birth and revelation, and we look forward to the light that will shatter all darkness at the Easter Vigil.

As Catholics, we are called to share the Light of Christ to the world, even in times of darkness. And even to groundhogs so they can see their own shadow.


Author Bio:
Deacon Dan Vaughn