Candlemas : Candlemas is a Catholic feast (February 2) commemorating the presentation of Jesus in the Temple and the Purification of the Virgin.
Celebrating the presentation of Jesus in the temple during the Feast of Candles and once associated with fertility in ancient Roman times when Lupercus was celebrated, Candlemas therefore has both a religious and pagan origin.
On this occasion, in France, we eat pancakes and beignets. The word comes from the Latin festa caondelarum ("Festival of Candles") because, on that day, we lit - and we still light - many candles in churches.
The date of February 2 also coincides with the resumption of work in the fields, after the harsh winter. This is undoubtedly why Candlemas is an opportunity to prepare flour-based dishes which, by their round shape and golden color, symbolize the sun. Various superstitions are attached to the traditional pancakes of the Candlemas.
But why did we eat pancakes? To avoid waste! The peasants then used the rest of Buckwheat flour to make these pancakes evoking the sun.
In Burgundy, you have to throw one on the top of the cupboard so as not to run out of money during the year. And, during the making of the pancakes, woe to the clumsy man who drops his while turning it over.
In Franche-Comté, we blow up a pancake while holding a coin in the free hand, if successful, it is the guaranteed money guarantee throughout the year.
Napoleon, at Candlemas of 1812 - before his departure for the Russian campaign - made pancakes at Malmaison; he succeeds, it is said, four out of five, thus auguring his victory in four battles. But the fifth missed pancake worried him. On the day of the Moscow fire, he is said to have said to Marshal Ney: "This is the fifth pancake".