Today is “The Day of The Candelaria”, because it is celebrated the Day of the Virgin “The Candelaria”, who is Patron of Tenerife (Canarian Islands, South of Spain).
"Geröll am Strand / boulder on the beach", La Candelaria, Tenerife, South-west of Spain, by bjoern .f / Bjoörn Freiberg Fotografie, at flickr.com
The origin of the name “Candelaria” is not sure, because for Christians, it is a Feast in honor of the Virgin La Candelaria, who appeared in Tenerife (South-west of Spain) In the early fifteenth century.It is in February – 2 and it spends several days, because it use to be the Patron of any village.
At the beginning, the Feast of the Candelaria or of the Light was originated in the Middle, where it had the name: “Encuentro” (Meeting).
After that, it was extended to West, in the Sixth century and it was held in Rome in penitential character.
For other researchers, it had its origin in the old Rome, where the Procession of the candles was a part of the Feast of the Lupercales.This celebration was united to the Presentation of the child Jesus in the Temple of Jerusalem, associated to altar candles, torch and candles and the Purification of the Virgin Mary after childbirth.
The feast is known and celebrated with several names: The Presentation of the Lord, The Purification of Mary, the Feast of the Light and the Feast of the Candles.All these names express the meaning of the Feast: Christ, the light of the World, introduced by his mother in the Temple, come to illuminate to everybody, as candles, from where it comes the name “Candelaria”.
After the appearance of the Virgin in Tenerife, the Feast of the Candelaria is celebrated with special Marian, since 1497, when the Conqueror of Tenerife, Alonso Fernandez de Lugo, celebrated the first Feast of the Candles (with the Virgin Mary of the Candelaria), coinciding with the Feast of the Purification, in February-2.
Later, this Feast was carry on to several countries in America.
Outside this religious character, it is thought that this Feast celebrates the beginning of the second part of the Winter, where the days become longer –so, we see more light--.
I hope that you ejoy this special Day, in Spain or out of here.
Kind regards,
Luis.
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