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andlemas ~ Mary Day…

February 2nd is the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary (the day that Mary was ritually cleansed in the Temple after the birth of Christ). It’s better known names are Mary Day or Candlemas.

 

CandlemasPurification of the Virgin Mary

 

Why the name Candlemas? That relates to Simeon’s prophecy to Mary when she presented her new son to him: that Jesus would be the Light of revelation to the Gentiles. The tradition of prophecy remains tightly wound to the day, even into our modern age. Think Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog who predicts when winter will end. Because candles give off light, they easily became the symbol of Christ’s light. St. Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury during the reign of William the Conqueror, explained that candle wax, being a product of the “virginal” bee, symbolizes Christ’s flesh, a candle’s wick represents His soul and the candle’s flame is His divinity. This connection to candles resulted in the development of one of the most magical processions of the liturgical year. Parishioners gathered at their local church, traditionally bearing a penny and a lighted candle. This was required as part of their duty to support him—it was part of his yearly pay.

Imagine the gentle glow steadily growing as each parishioner entered the darkened church until the sanctuary was ablaze. During the mass that followed parishioners could have other candles blessed for use, say at the bedside of a dying relative or for comfort in a thunderstorm.

The brightly lit church must have seemed almost miraculous after having spent so many long dark winter days trapped in a darkened cottage; candles were expensive items and saved for very special occasions. No doubt it served as a welcome reminder that in just another month Spring would begin, which brings us to an earthier source for this holiday.

Early February is when the spring plowing begins, and when it’s time to drive winter-starved cattle into the hay fields to eat. It also happens to be the time of year when the ewes begin to lactate prior to giving birth to their spring lambs. How well their milk comes in was a certain indicator of future prosperity… or failure. Notice that prophecy remains a theme here.

And the cycle of life begins one more time.


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t. Blaise's Day…

On February 3rd  we have St. Blaise’s day, the patron saint of sore throat sufferers. He’s new to me. I’d never heard of him prior to researching this article. Back in Fourth Century Armenia, he trained as a doctor, converted to Christianity, then eventually became the Bishop of Sebaste, until the emperor cracked down on the Christians. He was arrested, but while on his way to prison he was stopped by a mother whose child was choking on a fishbone. St. Blaise managed to cure the child on the spot (hmmm? Early Heimlich maneuver, maybe?) but he couldn't save himself. The local governor had him beaten with a stick, then had his flesh ripped away with carding combs before having him beheaded. 

Anyone interested in becoming a Saint??

St_Blaise

St. Blaise curing a child
from choking on a fishbone

 

Denise Domning's first medieval romance, Winter's Heat, received the Romantic Times award for Best First Historical Novel in 1994. Spring's Fury, Autumn's Flame, A Love for All Seasons were respectively nominated by Romantic Times for Best Medieval Novel in 1995, 1996 and 1997. Her first Elizabethan novel, Lady in Waiting, was recommended by Publisher's Weekly as well written and researched, with an accurate portrayal of Elizabeth I. Denise is currently co-authoring an autobiography with Monica Sarli about her life entitled No Regrets. Denise's website is www.DeniseDomning.com.

Next issue look for
St. George & the Dragon and everyone's favorite, St. Patrick.

 

 

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