Candlemas 2023: Why do we eat pancakes on February 2? History and origin of this festival
By Caroline J., My B. Photos by Caroline J. Posted Feb 1, 2023 1:31 PM
On the occasion of Candlemas 2023, we usually eat pancakes, but do you know exactly why? And do you know the history and origin of this holiday celebrated every year on February 2? We tell you.
the February 2it’s World Wetlands Day, but it’s also and above all the pancake partythe famous Candlemas. But then, why do we eat pancakes on this day and when does this tradition go back to? We explain to you.
We must go back to the 5th century to better understand this tradition. At the time was celebrated the presentation of jesus in the temple. That Christian holiday took place exactly 40 days after Christmas, February 2. The pope at the time, Gelasius Ithen had the idea of organizing candle-lit processions (hence the name ” Candlemas ”) during this religious event. Gelasius I would also have decided to offer pancakes to pilgrims in Rome.
Eating pancakes on February 2 also has its origins in the pagan festivals. At the time, the Candlemas referred to the fertility of the earth. The peasants had thus taken the habit of cooking pancakes with the surplus flour of the past year.
With their round shape and their golden color, pancakes symbolized light, the sun and therefore the return of sunny days. Superstitious, they had even imagined a game to bring prosperity: to blow the first pancake with the right hand with a gold coin in the left hand.
Today the Candlemas is the perfect excuse to savor good pancakes with family or friends. Buckwheat, wheat… they invite themselves into our house every February 2, but also the rest of the year to the delight of our taste buds!
And now, let’s get down to business:
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