The Presentation/Candlemas

Candles in The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, photo taken by Cheryl Kouba

In the liturgical calendar, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord falls on February 2nd. At Mass this day, Mary’s humble submission to the purification ritual is also recalled, and until 1969, this day was known as the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Candlemas is also celebrated on February 2nd in several countries; it usually involves a candlelight procession.

These feasts celebrated on February 2 ended the Christmas season until the Second Vatican Council (11 October 1962 –8 December 1965). From this time, the Christmas season ends on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord in January.

Two interesting sites:

The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord:

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/february-2-presentation-of-the-lord-feast/

Candlemas:

https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/common/candlemas