The Presentation of Jesus is an early episode in the life of Jesus Christ, describing his presentation at the Temple in Jerusalem. It is celebrated by many churches 40 days after Christmas on Candlemas, or the "Feast of the Presentation of Jesus". The episode is described in chapter 2 of the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament. Within the account, "Luke's narration of the Presentation in the Temple combines the purification rite with the Jewish ceremony of the redemption of the firstborn ."
Presentation at the Temple by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, 1342 (Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence)
Meeting of the Lord, Russian Orthodox icon, 15th century
Presentation of Jesus, showing (L to R) Mary, Simeon (holding Jesus), and Joseph with doves as a Temple sacrifice, stained glass window c. 1896, Church of the Good Shepherd (Rosemont, Pennsylvania)
Candlemas, also known as the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus Christ, the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or the Feast of the Holy Encounter, is a Christian feast day commemorating the presentation of Jesus at the Temple by Joseph and Mary. It is based upon the account of the presentation of Jesus in Luke 2:22–40. According to the Old Testament rules in Leviticus 12, a woman was to be purified by presenting a lamb as a burnt offering, and either a young pigeon or dove as sin offering, 33 days after a boy's circumcision. The feast falls on 2 February, which is traditionally the 40th day of and the conclusion of the Christmas–Epiphany season.
Blessing of candles on Candlemas at an American church
Candlemas day by Marianne Stokes, 1901
The presentation of the Lord in the temple by Fra Bartolomeo, 1516
Crêpes are a traditional food on La Chandeleur.