Taking decorations down. 6th or 7th?

sporina wrote: »

never heard of Candlemas before.. nice idea..

A very old Christian tradition. All the seasons have forty days; Lend, Easter . SO we have had candles for Advent, Christmas, and onwards, all through the darkest of months.

DvB wrote: »

No need to be so defensive, none at all.

Might I suggest though that you explore the history behind most Christian festivals and feast days. Might surprise you. I know it did me when I looked into the traditional celebrations.

FWIW we were taught in school the seasons were as follows:

Spring = February, March, April
Summer = May, June, July
Autumn = August, September, October
Winter = November, December, January

I appreciate the weather folk have different ones but that's the traditional ones we were taught. Hence referring to February as the start of Spring.

Not at all defensive (???). Just affirming. And as a theological historian li I am very fully aware of what you refer to . And it really is totally irrelevant And yes I know the Irish customs well but that is not my culture or custom. Nor are other aspects you mention so ? Spring is March in our culture.

As if it maftered!!!!! lol...

The things you refer to were needful and valid at the time and not at all to be condemened. It was a very practical a great kindness to folk, and to society. A vital time of course but that was long ago and we have passed that now. It is no longer relevant; just very old history and what was needful at a time of need and a thing of beauty and loving kindness in its own way at that time of history .

And Candlemas remains a lovely and meaningful tradition for many of us.

May peace be with thee.

I really do have to go now if you will excuse me. Illness limits too much these days for this ancient crone and I am in more pain than I can handle, tonight

Thank you. It has been an interesting encounter . lighting a candle time in many ways indeed. Christmas extends and spreads the year through as this forum knows and honours.