Candlemas in France

Candlemas (February 2nd), that quiet pause in winter when the days begin to stretch just a little longer, and the world, still wrapped in cold, hints at the warmth to come. It’s a day of light, when candles are blessed and the dark corners of the season start to retreat.

For those of us here in France, it’s a tradition to make crepes to celebrate the day.

We decided to skip the flipping and go for a baguette, cheese, and jam. No fanfare, just the quiet pleasure of good food and the soft, winter light.

But beneath the crepes and the rituals, it’s a moment to remember that light, both literal and symbolical, always returns.



Comments

5 responses to “Candlemas in France”

  1. La Chandeleur…I see you’re enjoying Bonne Maman. 😉 Love many of their flavors.

    Let’s hope the light returns sooner than later here in États-Unis.

  2. Teddee Grace

    You’re sure?! It’s looking pretty bleak here.

  3. I love the tradition of crepes for Candlemas.
    Once I can notice the light returning I just smile.

  4. Remember the film “Groundhog Daty?

    Western Pennsylvania has Punxsutawney Phil coming out of his burrow at 7:30 AM each February 2nd to check for his shadow on Groundhog Day. He did see it yesterday, denoting 6 more weeks of winter. Ironically, it was 62°F (ca. +17°C) here today.

  5. P.S. I use a ground-almond butter-cookie dough to make groundhog-shaped cookies for the holiday:
    www.groundhogstuff.com/scs_search_results.htm?search=cookie+cutters

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