Happy Candlemas!!!

[fairgambit]

Candlemas is the feast day of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple and marks the official end of the Christmas season. In Tudor times Christmas decorations were expected to stay in place until Candlemas. It continues to be the tradition in the Gambit family. And so, for the last time this Christmas season, the Gambits wish you a Merry Christmas!!! May God bless us, every one.

 

[nittanyfan333]

Very cool. Never heard of this. We always go by epiphany for when we take down our decorations.

 

[fairgambit]

Very cool. Never heard of this. We always go by epiphany for when we take down our decorations.

It was the Victorians who decided that Christmas decorations should be taken down after 12 days because they wanted celebrations to end and get everybody back to work. They fixed Epiphany as the end of the Christmas season in the 19th century. Before this abridging of the festive season, the Tudors continued celebrating until Candlemas.

 

[psuro]

It was the Victorians who decided that Christmas decorations should be taken down after 12 days because they wanted celebrations to end and get everybody back to work. They fixed Epiphany as the end of the Christmas season in the 19th century. Before this abridging of the festive season, the Tudors continued celebrating until Candlemas.

Christianity sure can be confusing.

 

[fairgambit]

Christianity sure can be confusing.

At times, perhaps so, but this is more about tradition than religion.

 

[psuro]

At times, perhaps so, but this is more about tradition than religion.

Kind of like....Easter is about the resurrection of Christ, but it's celebrated with rabbits and chocolate eggs.... Tradition, not religion? Still confusing.

 

[fairgambit]

Kind of like....Easter is about the resurrection of Christ, but it's celebrated with rabbits and chocolate eggs.... Tradition, not religion? Still confusing.

Ah, you're toying with me. I think most Christian adults realize there are secular sides to Christmas and Easter, but that does not detract from the religious importance of either. Christmas and Easter celebrate Christ's Birth and Resurrection. How we celebrate is less important than the act itself. That said, you may have the last word if you so desire. I am going to start a fire and enjoy my Christmas tree. While our decorations begin coming down today, the tree will remain up for a bit longer. It is not yet Orthodox Candlemas which is February 15th.

 

[psuro]

Ah, you're toying with me. I think most Christian adults realize there are secular sides to Christmas and Easter, but that does not detract from the religious importance of either. Christmas and Easter celebrate Christ's Birth and Resurrection. How we celebrate is less important than the act itself. That said, you may have the last word if you so desire. I am going to start a fire and enjoy my Christmas tree. While our decorations begin coming down today, the tree will remain up for a bit longer. It is not yet Orthodox Candlemas which is February 15th.

Not toying.....just really confused on the connection between the two.

But no matter....I will let you enjoy your fire and Christmas Tree, here on Groundhog's Day.