Candlemas is one of the most ancient celebrations of the Christian Church and is mentioned by Egeria, during her pilgrimage to the Holy Land (381–384).

“All the priests, and after them the bishop, preach, always taking for their subject that part of the Gospel where Joseph and Mary brought the Lord into the Temple on the fortieth day, and Simeon and Anna the prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, saw him, treating of the words which they spake when they saw the Lord, and of that offering which his parents made. And when everything that is customary has been done in order, the sacrament is celebrated, and the dismissal takes place.”

Candlemas marks the end of the Epiphany season.