Candlemas of the Lord — 2026: the main signs of the day on February 15th and what they mean

Orthodox believers celebrate Candlemas on February 15, one of the twelve feasts of the church calendar, which has long been associated with weather signs, prohibitions and special traditions in Russia. For more information about the signs on this day, see the Izvestia article.

Candlemas of the Lord on February 15: the history, meaning and spiritual significance of the holiday

Candlemas of the Lord is one of the twelve great feasts and is celebrated annually on February 15, the 40th day after the Birth of Christ. In the church tradition, it is dedicated to the bringing of the Baby Jesus to the Jerusalem temple and the meeting with the righteous Simeon the God-receiver.

According to the Gospel of Luke, Simeon was foretold that he would not see death until he met the Savior. Taking the Baby in his arms, he said the prayer "Now let Thy servant go, O Master...", which became part of the Orthodox divine service. In the theological understanding, Candlemas symbolizes the meeting of the Old and New Testaments, as well as the expectation and fulfillment of the promise.

In the folk tradition, the holiday was perceived as the turn of winter and spring. It was believed that it was on this day that the symbolic meeting of the two seasons took place, and the nature of the weather determined what the upcoming season would be like.

Folk signs for Candlemas of the Lord: what weather on February 15 foreshadows spring

The Sretensky omens primarily relate to the weather. According to the observations of the peasants, the thaw on February 15 was considered a sign of an early and warm spring, while a severe frost foreshadowed prolonged cold weather. The snowstorm on this day was associated with the late onset of heat.

Special importance was attached to clear skies and sunny weather. It was believed that a bright day promised a good harvest of bread, and weather precipitation meant a rich harvest of grain. If a strong wind rose, it was said that it cleanses the space and promotes future fertility.

In some regions, there was a belief that the colder Candlemas, the warmer March would be. Such observations were passed down from generation to generation and became part of the national calendar.

What not to do on Myasopust Parents' Saturday 2026: strict prohibitions on February 14

You can't do laundry, sewing, or mopping at home on Myasopust Saturday.

Candlemas traditions on February 15: candle-lighting and family customs

A festive liturgy is celebrated in Orthodox churches on February 15. One of the features of the service is the consecration of candles, which are popularly called Candlemas. They were kept at home and lit during thunderstorms, illnesses of loved ones or during difficult periods.

It was believed that the consecrated candle was a symbol of protection and a reminder of the spiritual meaning of the holiday. In a number of regions, water was also consecrated, which was then used in everyday life.

Candlemas was often accompanied by a family meal. If the date fell on a fast period, they tried to make the table moderate, observing the church regulations. In 2026, the holiday falls on a Sunday and does not belong to the strict days of fasting.

What you can do on Candlemas: traditions and recommendations for believers

The church charter does not contain strict household restrictions, however, recommendations for holding the day have been fixed in the tradition. Believers are advised to visit the temple, take part in worship and take time to pray.

Candlemas is considered a suitable time for good deeds, helping those in need, and reconciliation with loved ones. In the popular imagination, the good deeds committed on February 15 are of particular importance.

We tried to spend the day calmly, without unnecessary fuss. The importance of inner concentration and respect for others was emphasized.

Prayers for Myasopustnaya Parental Saturday – 2026: what to read in church and at home

On this day, believers recite special prayers for all deceased Orthodox Christians.

What not to do on Candlemas on February 15: popular prohibitions and beliefs

There were prohibitions among the people related to the sacred status of the date. It was not recommended to start large businesses unless absolutely necessary, go on a long journey and engage in heavy physical labor.

It was considered undesirable to enter into conflicts and sort things out. According to legend, the quarrels that arose on this day could drag on for a long time. Excessive activity and household fuss were also discouraged.

Today, most of these restrictions are perceived as an element of folklore. Nevertheless, they remain part of the cultural heritage and continue to be mentioned in the context of folk traditions.