Maria Lichtmess in German, Candelaria in Pilipino.
If you are getting used to the cosy view of the Christmas
lights when you pass by gardens and houses of some of
your neighbors, tonight might be the last night your
neighbors are treating you with free , twinkling wintry
illumination.
It is February 2 and to many devoutees, especially
those who have Catholic calendar, today is the official
last day for displaying Christmas tree. Well, at least
according to hubby. His mother would display
Christmas tree, lights, bulbs and decors until
February 02 for Maria Lichtmess, the official
last day of Christmas season in Germany. She would
repeat the whole ritual, with a new pine-tree,
of course, starting with the first Sunday in Advent.
What happens then between the official closing
of the holy season filled with much eating and
gift-giving and the start of season for penitence for
our mortal indulgences?
Season for Carnival, season for merry-making,
custumes, clowns, chocolates and beer.
Enjoy the lights tonight.
Tita Bee
3 comments:
wow! i didn't know that, tita alou. i thought since "the three kings" is the last day for Christmas decors to be displayed, the Christmas lights come down with them! LOL!
ok naman po ang mga ads dito, tita. mukhang totoo...
warm regards from my family to yours...
marie
Dear Marie,
Thanks for the info about the pages. Actually, only the what we call "saradong Catholiko"pious Catholics are observing this. I know some Germans who would be throwing their Christmas trees right after celebrating new year. January 6 is generally considered as end of the Christmas season.
Warm regards from here,
Lichtmess oder ein Beitrag zur interkulturellen Landeskunde Böhmen: Wenn es an Lichtmess stürmt und schneit ist der sommer nicht mehr weit, sagte mein Vater, ein Marienkind wie er betonte, geb.am 2. Februar und seine Mutter hieß Marie. Bis in die 1960er bestand er darauf, dass der Weihnachtsbaum bis Lichtmess geschmückt in der Wohnung stand. Nun überlege ich ob das 2. vatikanische Konzil oder die Zentralheizung den Baum kurz nach dem 6. Januar aus der Wohnung vertrieb,
liebe Grüße Heide
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