Definition: Candlemas (la)

The word Chandeleur, which naturally comes from chandelle (candela in Latin), celebrates a festival linked to light, a sign of the return to life and hope at the end of what can sometimes seem like endless winters. Originally a Roman pagan festival (the Lupercalia, celebrated around 15 February), it later took on religious significance, corresponding to the date of the presentation of Jesus at the Temple, a traditional rite that follows 40 days after the birth of a child. Crepes were the ritual gift offered to pilgrims by Pope Gelasius I, who, in the 5th century, added Candlemas to the religious calendar.

A festival of light, like all the services celebrated around the Nativity of Christ, it is an occasion to light many candles, which are then carried in procession to people's homes. Today, pancakes are above all a sign of joy and conviviality. To perpetuate the rituals, the most skilled (and superstitious) among you will flip your pancake while holding a gold coin in your other hand, a token of prosperity for the coming year! Crêpes must be accompanied by wine, but which one? Dry cider remains the best pairing. Those who are completely averse to it will stick with champagne for savoury crêpes, try a white Touraine wine with a smoked salmon crêpe or a Pouilly Fuissé with chicken crêpes. Sugar offers a few variations: a Banyuls for crêpes drizzled with chocolate sauce, a Pineau des Charentes or a Pinot Gris for crêpes Suzette. Get your frying pans ready!