theraccolta:

The Christmas season ends with the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This feast has been celebrated by the Church into antiquity, pre-dating the conversion of Constantine in 312 AD.

According to Mosaic Law, a mother who gave birth to a son remained unclean for 40 days after birth, in which time she completed her purification in blood. After the 40 days, the new mother was to bring to the temple a lamb for a holocaust and a young pigeon or turtle dove for sin (Leviticus 12), where a priest prayed for her and she was cleansed.

Mary complied with this precept of the Mosaic Law, and redeemed Our Lord from the temple according to the law established by God, Whatsoever is firstborn of all flesh, which they offer to the Lord, whether it be of men, or of beasts, shall belong to thee: only for the firstborn of man thou shalt take a price, and every beast that is unclean thou shalt cause to be redeemed… (Numbers 18) In this act, Mary’s Immaculate Heart is pierced with a sword of sorrow by the prophecy of Simeon.

Simeon prophesied that Christ would be a light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and thus candles are blessed on this day, which is why the feast is sometimes called Candlemas. After the priest blesses and incenses beeswax candles, they are distributed. The Canticle of Simeon is sung, and a procession follows in which partakers carry lighted candles in their hands. The solemn procession represents the entry of Christ, the Light of the World, into the Temple.