“La Chandeleur” or "Candlemas" in English
is celebrated on 2nd February, and commemorates the occasion when
the Virgin Mary, in obedience to the Jewish law went to the temple
in Jerusalem both to be purified 40 days after the birth of her
son and to present Jesus to god as her firstborn. The festival
was formerly known in the Roman Catholic Church as the Purification
of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is now known as the presentation
of the lord. In the Anglican Church it is called the Presentation
of Christ in the temple. In the Greek Church it is called ”Hypapante”
(meeting), in reference to Jesus’ meeting in the temple
with Simeon.
(Taken from Encyclopedia Britannica)
In modern days, throughout many countries, the tradition is
kept whereby women who had given birth to their children the year
before will participate in candlelit processions. This practice
symbolizes the purification of Virgin Mary.
In France the name “Chandeleur” comes from the word
“Chandelle” which means candle. It remains a custom
for the people to bring back lighted candles from the church as
a symbolic of good harvests in the coming years.
“Crêpes” is the traditional food prepared
in celebration of La Chandeleur. Similar to the practice of bringing
back lighted candles from the church, crêpes has its own
meaning too; it symbolizes wealth, good crops and health for the
year to come. Crêpes can be divided into 2 types –
the sweet crêpes and the salty crepes. The sweet crêpes
are usually eaten as desserts or snacks after meals while the
salty crepes can be served as meals. The toppings for sweet crêpes
include jam, sugar, whipped cream, fruits, and chestnut cream.
Mushroom, spinach, cheese or hams are common ingredients for salty
crêpes.
Reference: CulinaryChef.com
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THE HISTORY
OF 'LA CHANDELEUR'