Today is the feast with many names. The Presentation of Christ in the Temple is also known as the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin, because traditionally, women went to the temple on the 8th day after birth of a son to be purified. In Eastern Orthodoxy, it is known as Hypatante which means "Meeting" in Greek.
Today's feast is also known as Candlemas because, traditionally, it is when the bees wax candles are blessed for use in the church year. Many parishes ask parishioners to bring in their own candles and have them blessed for use in the next year.
If you can't get to Mass today to have your candles blessed, or even if you can, light a few candles today and say a prayer in honor of Christ, His Mother, and of Candlemas.
My eyes have seen your salvation,
which you prepared
in the sight of all the peoples:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.
~From the Gospel for Candlemas;
the Book of Luke
God bless you all!
