The Feast of the Meeting of the Lord (Candlemas, or the Presentation of Jesus) falls on the fortieth day after Christmas, when Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem, where he was met by the righteous Simeon. Under the Revised Julian calendar adopted in 2023 by the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, it is celebrated on February 2 (Old Style communities — February 15). In Ukrainian folk tradition, it is the day when “winter meets spring”. Here you will find short wishes, messages for family, poems and traditions. The most popular search is “happy Feast of the Meeting of the Lord” (3.5K a month).

The previous major feast is Epiphany, and the next spring one is the Annunciation.

Short Candlemas wishes

Happy Feast of the Meeting of the Lord! Peace, light and God’s blessing to your family.
Happy Candlemas! May the blessed candle protect your home.
Happy feast day! May winter soon give way to a warm spring.
Happy Feast of the Meeting of the Lord! Faith, hope and joyful meetings.
Happy feast day! May there be light in your heart and warmth in your home.

Heartfelt Candlemas wishes

Happy Feast of the Meeting of the Lord! Just as righteous Simeon lived to meet the Savior, may your most sincere hopes come true. Peace, health and God’s grace to you.
Happy Candlemas! May the blessed candle drive away darkness and worry, and may your home be filled with warmth and harmony.
Happy feast day! Today winter meets spring — may a bright and warm season begin in your life too.

In folk belief, the weather on Candlemas “predicts” the spring

For family and friends

Mom, happy Feast of the Meeting of the Lord! May God protect you and may spring bring many sunny days.
Grandma, happy feast day! I remember how you brought a blessed candle home from church. May it keep protecting our home.
Friends, happy Candlemas! May every meeting this year be a joyful one.

Candlemas poems

On the Feast of the Meeting of the Lord,
May blessed candles light your home,
May peace and grace be your reward
And never leave you on your own!

Today the winter meets the spring,
May warmth fill every room and heart,
May every wish come true and bring
A bright and joyful brand-new start!

Candlemas traditions

People attend the festive service and bless “thunder” candles.
Blessed candles are kept at home and lit during thunderstorms or hard times.
Water is blessed and considered healing.
People watch the weather — according to folk signs, it hints at what spring will be like.

February has another holiday — Valentine’s Day; Christmas greetings are in our Christmas wishes.

Flowers for the feast

Candlemas is the first holiday that “calls” spring. A bouquet in soft spring shades is a warm gesture for mom or grandma.

Spring gift for her — Spring Gift bouquet — the first breath of spring

More ideas in our flowers for mom and roses collections.

11 pink spray roses — a tender bouquet for the feast

FAQ

When is the Feast of the Meeting of the Lord in Ukraine?

February 2, according to the Revised Julian calendar of the OCU and UGCC. Old Style communities celebrate on February 15.

What is blessed on Candlemas?

Candles (called “thunder” candles) and water. The candles are kept all year as a protective charm for the home.

Why do people say winter meets spring on this day?

It is a folk interpretation of the feast’s name: by this time the days are noticeably longer and people look forward to the first signs of spring.

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Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

Candlemas Wishes (Feast of the Meeting of the Lord)