Candlemas is celebrated every year on February 2nd and gives the opportunity to taste fabulous pancakes with all kinds of ingredients. It is a festival that gourmands would not miss under any pretext, but do you know its origin?
Candlemas is celebrated every year on February 2nd and gives the opportunity to taste fabulous pancakes with all kinds of ingredients. It is a festival that gourmands would not miss under any pretext, but do you know its origin?
The word Chandelion comes from the Latin Festa Candelarum or festival of candles.
In the fifth century, Pope Gelasius I associated this pagan rite of the 'Feast of Candles' with the presentation of Jesus in the temple and the purification of the Virgin. It is also said that this same Pope had Crepes distributed to pilgrims arriving in Rome.
In churches, torches are replaced with blessed candles whose glow keeps away the Evil One and reminds us that Christ is the light of the world, just as the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, which lasts eight days is the 'Festival of Lights'.
But it was not until 1372 that the feast of Candlemas was officially associated with the purification of the Virgin.
The traditions of Candlemas and the shape of the Pancakes would also be symbolic representations of the solar disk evoking the coming return of spring.
Did you know?
Kinds of pancakes or Crêpes are found in all civilizations of the Old and New Worlds, whether made from Farina of wheat, rice, corn or other grains.
On the occasion of Candlemas, the sweet or savory pancakes can be enjoyed to your heart's content!
The two main recipes are the buckwheat pancake (buckwheat flour) usually salted and the pancake with Wheat flour.
The recipe for the pancake batter is very simple. Count 100 g of flour, a pinch of salt, 2 eggs and about 25 cl of milk. Add a knob of Butter melted and a little sugar (for Sweetened Pancakes only).
Once you've popped the Pancakes as is traditional, any toppings are allowed: chocolate, jam, fresh fruit, Spread and more!
Several proverbs are associated with this holiday celebrated on February 2 and supposed to mark a turning point in winter:
At Candlemas, winter dies or gains strength.
At Candlemas the day grows by two hours.
At Candlemas, the Cold makes pain.
Dew at Candlemas, Winter at its last hour.
During Candlemas, tradition dictates that we prepare pancakes on February 2nd, but that's not all! It's not enough just to make pancake batter, one must also "flip the pancakes" to bring prosperity into the home.
The tradition involves flipping the first pancake while holding a coin in the left hand and the pan in the right. The task is risky, especially for left-handed people! In the past, this peculiar ritual was believed to ensure the abundance of upcoming harvests. It was also said that an unmarried girl would get married within the year if she managed to "flip six pancakes in a row" and have them land flat back in the pan. Today, it is mostly thought to bring luck, prosperity, and happiness to the family.
Many proverbs are associated with this festival celebrated on February 2nd. This date is indeed supposed to mark a turning point in the winter:
At Candlemas, winter dies or gains strength.
At Candlemas, the day grows by two hours.
At Candlemas, the Cold causes pain.
Dew at Candlemas, Winter at its final hour.
Author Audrey on 02 February 2022
Gastronomy and Food : Food
Author Audrey on 01 February 2022
Gastronomy and Food : Restaurant