Candlemas, the feast of the presentation of Jesus at the Temple. According to the Jewish tradition Joseph and Mary took Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem forty days after his birth and encountered the righteous elder Simeon and prophetess Anna. Simeon was foretold that he should not see death before he had seen the son of God born by Mary. When he took the baby into his hands he recognized in him the Messiah, the Saviour of Israel and prophesied his life. The feast is celebrated on 2 (15) February.
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