Candlemas
noun
Can·dle·mas
ˈkan-dᵊl-məs 
: February 2 observed as a church festival in commemoration of the presentation of Christ in the temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary
Examples of Candlemas in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
According to the National Weather Service website, Groundhog Day has its roots in European weather lore, where a badger or bear is the prognosticator, not a groundhog, and in Candlemas, a day for blessing candles.
—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Feb. 2026
Groundhog Day is rooted in the Christian holiday Candlemas, the midway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.
—
Bebe Hodges,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
2 Feb. 2026
The belief was later adopted by the Romans as Hedgehog Day and eventually became associated with the Christian observance of Candlemas, according to the National Weather Service.
—
Dallas Morning News,
31 Jan. 2026
That delicious task of fulfilling the tradition on February 2, Candlemas Day.
—
Paula Soria,
AZCentral.com,
8 Jan. 2026
The image was taken above Candlemas and Vindication Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean.
—
Kenna Hughes-Castleberry,
Space.com,
24 Dec. 2025
Groundhog Day is rooted in the Christian holiday Candlemas, the midway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox.
—
Haadiza Ogwude,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,Winter will not come again.
—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
2 Feb. 2025
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Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Feb. 2026
Groundhog Day is rooted in the Christian holiday Candlemas, the midway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.
—
Bebe Hodges,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
2 Feb. 2026
The belief was later adopted by the Romans as Hedgehog Day and eventually became associated with the Christian observance of Candlemas, according to the National Weather Service.
—
Dallas Morning News,
31 Jan. 2026
That delicious task of fulfilling the tradition on February 2, Candlemas Day.
—
Paula Soria,
AZCentral.com,
8 Jan. 2026
The image was taken above Candlemas and Vindication Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean.
—
Kenna Hughes-Castleberry,
Space.com,
24 Dec. 2025
Groundhog Day is rooted in the Christian holiday Candlemas, the midway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox.
—
Haadiza Ogwude,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,Winter will not come again.
—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
2 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Candlemas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Candlemas. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Candlemas
noun
Can·dle·mas
ˈkan-dᵊl-məs
: February 2 observed as a Christian festival in honor of the presentation of Christ in the temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary
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