烛光未灭，春意将至
比利时的圣烛节
As the Candle Burns, Spring Draws Near: Candlemas in Belgium
圣烛节：一个关于光明的节日
Candlemas: A Celebration of Light
每年
2月2日
，比利时以及欧洲许多国家都会迎来一个古老而富有象征意义的节日——
圣烛节（Candlemas）
。这一节日已有两千多年历史，是人们纪念光明、季节更替以及希望的重要时刻。它既是基督教传统中的重要节日，也承载着欧洲悠久的民俗文化记忆。
Every year on
2 February
, Belgium and many other European countries celebrate
Candlemas
, an ancient festival rich in symbolism. With a history of more than two thousand years, Candlemas marks light, the turning of the seasons and renewed hope. It is both an important feast in the Christian tradition and a reflection of Europe’s long-standing folk customs.
宗教传统中的圣烛节
Candlemas in the Christian Tradition
在基督教传统中，圣烛节又被称为“主呈献节”或“圣母净化节”。根据《圣经·路加福音》的记载，耶稣诞生40天后，圣母玛利亚依照犹太传统，带着婴儿耶稣前往耶路撒冷圣殿，完成洁净礼并将耶稣呈献给上主。圣殿中的长者西面在见到耶稣时，将他称为“照亮万民的光”，这也使“光明”成为圣烛节最重要的象征。
In the Christian tradition, Candlemas is also known as the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord or the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary. According to the Gospel of Luke, forty days after Jesus’ birth, Mary went to the Temple in Jerusalem to perform the rite of purification and to present the child to God. There, Simeon described Jesus as “a light for revelation to the nations”, making light the central symbol of Candlemas.
蜡烛与光明的象征
Candles as a Symbol of Light
“Candlemas”这一名称源自当日教堂为蜡烛举行的祝福仪式，蜡烛象征基督之光驱散黑暗。历史上，信徒们会手持点燃的蜡烛游行；在比利时，人们也习惯在这一天点亮家中的蜡烛，寓意迎接光明、平安与希望。这一习俗既是宗教象征，也延续了人类对光与火的古老敬畏。
The name “Candlemas” comes from the blessing of candles during church services on this day. Candles symbolize Christ as the light that dispels darkness. Historically, believers carried lit candles in processions, and in Belgium it has long been customary to light candles at home on Candlemas, expressing a wish for light, peace and protection. This tradition reflects not only religious belief, but also humanity’s ancient reverence for fire and light.
冬去春来的时间节点
A Turning Point Between Winter and Spring
从自然节律来看，圣烛节正好处在冬季与春季的过渡阶段，白昼开始明显延长。因此在民间，圣烛节常被视为冬去春来的标志。比利时及欧洲多地流传着与天气相关的谚语，人们相信这一天的天气状况预示着接下来冬天或春天的走向，这种对自然的观察在农业社会中尤为重要。
From a seasonal perspective, Candlemas marks the midpoint between winter and spring, when daylight becomes noticeably longer. For this reason, it has traditionally been seen as a sign that winter is coming to an end. In Belgium and across Europe, weather-related proverbs associated with Candlemas reflect people’s long-standing efforts to read nature’s signs, especially in agricultural societies.
可丽饼里的节日味道
A Festive Taste: Pancakes on Candlemas
在比利时、法国等地，圣烛节还保留着制作和品尝可丽饼的传统。薄饼圆润、金黄，形似太阳，象征光明与春天的回归。这一习俗源于中世纪，人们在冬末使用剩余的面粉制作食物，同时也寄托了对丰收、幸福与好运的美好期盼。
In Belgium, France and neighbouring countries, Candlemas is also associated with the tradition of making and eating pancakes. Their round, golden shape evokes the sun and symbolizes the return of light and spring. Dating back to the Middle Ages, this custom originally made practical use of remaining winter supplies while expressing hopes for prosperity and good fortune.
更古老的文化根源
Older Cultural Roots
事实上，圣烛节的文化渊源早于基督教时代。在新石器时代，欧洲就已存在庆祝光明回归、驱逐黑暗的仪式。随着时间推移，这些自然崇拜逐渐与宗教传统融合，最终形成了今天的圣烛节，使其成为连接信仰、自然与民俗的节日。
In fact, the roots of Candlemas predate Christianity. As early as the Neolithic period, rituals celebrating the return of light and the end of darkness were common in Europe. Over time, these ancient practices merged with religious traditions, giving Candlemas its rich cultural depth.
光明与希望的延续
A Lasting Message of Light and Hope
今天，圣烛节不仅是一项宗教纪念日，也是一场关于光明、希望与季节更替的文化庆典。在寒冬尚未完全退去之时，人们通过这一节日迎接逐渐增长的日照，期待春天的到来，并在温暖的烛光中感受团聚与希望的力量。
Today, Candlemas is not only a religious feast, but also a cultural celebration of light, hope and the changing seasons. As winter slowly gives way, the festival invites people to welcome longer days, look forward to spring and share a moment of warmth and optimism.
