TORONTO – Need light to endure this long grey winter? North Americans observe “Groundhog Day” on Monday, February 2nd. The day when we use a groundhog’s behavior to predict the remaining duration of winter. Based on an old Dutch tradition started in Pennsylvania, should the groundhog see his shadow and retreat into his home, Winter will last another 6 weeks.
These traditions based on rotation of the earth, season of the year and the yearly Calendar all have roots based in Antiquity.
In ancient times, this date marked the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It marks the 40th day following December 25 (the day traditionally celebrated as the birth of Jesus), and marks the End of the Christmas season and Beginning of Lent.
Italians, influenced by Catholic traditions, focus on festivals leading up to Carnevale to lift winter spirits. And why not?
An Italian proverb says, “If Candlemas day is sunny and bright, winter will have another flight, if Candlemas day is cloudy with rain, winter is gone and won’t come again.” A positive perspective on a gloomy day!
February 2nd is the feast of Candlemas, or Festa della Candelora. This day is known as the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. In the Bible, within the Gospel of John we find a quote from Simeon the old priest upon seeing Jesus for the first time . “Through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it ” (John 1, 4-5)
Various regions have their own customs, including nighttime candlelit services and festivals.
In Sicily, various towns and cathedrals observe this feast. The Church of S.S. Maria della Candelora in Serro Messina observes this day with its parishioners. Each candle receives a blessing and is subsequently utilized during periods of difficulty in one’s life. In Cefalu, parishioners’ light candles and start their parade from the church as children receive blessings.
In Catania, the Feast of Candlemas signals the beginning of the feast of St. Agata. A three-day event honoring their patron Saint with parades from the Cathedral. Parades feature large hand-crafted candelabras and giant candles. A world-renowned event that brings people out of their homes, even from afar, to celebrate, not just with prayer and the light of God but with the gifts and contributions of its people. It is a celebration of the dedication of their culture, longevity, and prosperity. Parades, music, food and Catanese pastries are necessary during these days.
For others, Candlemass links directly to the Feast of St. Biagio. An early priest and Martyr of the Christian Church, he is known as one of the Holy Healers and Patron saint of the throat. The priest gives the blessing of the throat during the mass as parishioners hold the candles to their throats. The practice is in honour of his miraculous healing of a child who was choking on a fish bone. When brought to him by his mother while on the road to his own prosecution, St. Biagio touched and healed the child. The mother gave St. Biagio a candle to thank him. A candle she hoped would help light his prison cell.
Italians still practice these heartfelt uplifting traditions. Traditions that stem from the ongoing desire for hope, faith, and belief in the goodness of humanity. Let us beat the winter blues by celebrating Italian style this year. Candlemass at the parish and Sicilian pastries to begin!
Letizia V.
