Candlemas called Matka Boska Gromniczna in Poland

Candlemas, celebrated on February 2, is a Christian feast day commemorating the presentation of Jesus at the Temple, marking the end of the Christmas-Epiphany season

                 Thunder candles made by Polish American beekeeper David Newman, Buffalo, NY

  On this day, beeswax candles are brought to churches to be blessed, and then carried in a procession. These candles are called "gromnice" (thunder candles), and the common name of the feast day – Our Lady of the Thunder Candle – derives from them. The candles blessed on this day were taken home and used to safeguard the family, barns and home. They were lit during during times of crisis and stress, especially during storms where lightning could strike the home and devastate their lives. They were lit at the bedside of the sick and the dying.

   In Poland, and among the Polish diaspora throughout the world, this feast day officially concludes the Christmas season. On this day, nativity scenes are dismantled in churches and homes, Christmas trees are taken down in homes, and the singing of carols ceases.

     Here are three previous blog posts about this important feast day in Poland 
     (1)  how the candles are made in Poland
     (2) an account of the day from a Polish woman's diary in 1895
     (3) Candlemas in the eyes of  Polish painter Teodor Axentowicz

www.sophieknab.com/blog/making-the-candles-for-candlemas

www.sophieknab.com/blog/candlemas-day-in-1895

www.sophieknab.com/blog/the-hucul-and-candlemas-through-the-eyes-of-polish-painter-teodor-axentowicz


For more about Polish customs and traditions: Polish Customs, Traditions and Folklore, Hippocrene Books, Inc. 2024. Hippocrene Books, Inc. is offering a special promotion of 40% off on all my books through Indiepubs.com with the promo code HIPPOCRENE40. https://indiepubs.com/search?type=product&q=sophie+hodorowicz+knab