The celebration of Candlemas comes from two separate events including the presentation of the Christ Child in the temple and the purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is 40 days after the celebration of the birth of Christ which under the Law of Moses was the first time after conception a mother could enter the temple. (Leviticus 12:6-7) When Joseph and Mary entered the temple, both Simeon and Anna recognized the divinity of the Child.
Today it is recognized primarily by Roman Catholic and Anglican churches.
To Wiccans, this day is known as Brigantia, Oimelc, Brigid, Brigit, or Imbolc. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring--a day when newborn lambs begin to nurse and buried dormant seeds begin to stir within the earth. The pagan Irish called it Brigit after the goddess of smithcraft, healing, and poetry while the Norse and Saxons referred to her as Birgit, the lusty, spring-loving consort of Ullr, the god of winter..
As with a number of Christian holidays, they were fashioned after Pagan holidays and rituals to convert and unite common people from Pagan worship to Christianity.
