“Lichtmess”, or Candlemas as it is known in English, is the Christianised name for an age-old European festival celebrating the return of the light in the northern hemisphere, its roots going back to the Celtic festival of Imbolc celebrated on the evening of 1st February.
As of February, the increasing hours of daylight start to become more noticeable and the day’s work again begins and ends in daylight.
In the country calendar “Lichtmess” or Candlemas also marked the end of the annual employment contract for farmhands and maidservants: traditionally presented with a farewell gift of a new pair of shoes from their farmer employer, come Candlemas on 2nd February, farmhands were free to seek new masters for the next year.
Neither farmhand nor in need of a new master, Imbolc always lightens my spirits, just knowing that the light is back. Be it with candlemaking or a ritual “back to the light” hike or bike tour, it is cause for a personal celebration:
The sun just rose over the trees and is bathing our home in light. Light is so precious at this time of the year. I very much enjoyed reading your post and great photos celebrating the returning of the light.
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Thank you, Elke, I can so relate to your image of the sun now climbing high enough to shine over the height of the trees and yes, those golden moments are so precious after the months of darkness – it really is like having the curtain drawn back again 🙂
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