Lighting candles in the ground represents the hope for new life and the gradual lengthening of days as winter gives way to spring.
LAST WEEK, WE GATHERED TO CELEBRATE CANDLEMAS. WE LIT CANDLES DURING A BEAUTIFUL SUNSET, TAKING A MOMENT TO REFLECT ON THE HALFWAY POINT BETWEEN WINTER AND SPRING AND THE DRAWING TO AN END OF THE DARKER, COLDER MONTHS AND THE ARRIVAL OF BRIGHTER, WARMER DAYS. 🌞
LAST WEEK, WE GATHERED TO CELEBRATE CANDLEMAS. WE LIT CANDLES DURING A BEAUTIFUL SUNSET, TAKING A MOMENT TO REFLECT ON THE HALFWAY POINT BETWEEN WINTER AND SPRING AND THE DRAWING TO AN END OF THE DARKER, COLDER MONTHS AND THE ARRIVAL OF BRIGHTER, WARMER DAYS. 🌞
THE WORD “CANDLEMAS” ORIGINATES FROM THE CUSTOM OF BLESSING AND LIGHTING CANDLES DURING THE MASS IN CHURCH. THESE CANDLES REPRESENT THE LIGHT OF CHRIST, ILLUMINATING THE DARKNESS IN BOTH A PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL SENSE. THE DEDICATION OF THE CANDLES IS AN IMPORTANT AND BEAUTIFUL CEREMONY, DURING WHICH THE CANDLES ARE CONSECRATED FOR USE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, BRINGING LIGHT AND WARMTH TO OUR HOMES.
THE WORD “CANDLEMAS” ORIGINATES FROM THE CUSTOM OF BLESSING AND LIGHTING CANDLES DURING THE MASS IN CHURCH. THESE CANDLES REPRESENT THE LIGHT OF CHRIST, ILLUMINATING THE DARKNESS IN BOTH A PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL SENSE. THE DEDICATION OF THE CANDLES IS AN IMPORTANT AND BEAUTIFUL CEREMONY, DURING WHICH THE CANDLES ARE CONSECRATED FOR USE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, BRINGING LIGHT AND WARMTH TO OUR HOMES.
In preparation for candlemas, Our residents made delightfully colourful candle holders which we dangled on the winter tree branches and dotted around The Hatch Community during our festival celebrations.
Our celebrations began with us gathering in Whitsun Hall as Joe, one of our residents, lit the candle. We read from the bible about Mary and Joseph presenting Jesus at the Temple of Jerusalem. We reflected on what these stories mean to us as individuals and as a community, and before we set off outdoors to light the earth candles, we had a short tea break with delicious cakes made by the Bakery Workshop.
As we came together, circled around flickering candles and warm smiles, we were reminded of the power of community and our shared journey. This celebration is not just about marking the cycle of our seasons and festivals but also about embracing the hope and renewal that comes with the returning light and warmth. Together, we strengthen the bonds that connect us and look forward to the new possibilities as the seasons unfold.
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Thank you to everyone who joined us in making this celebration truly special. We're wishing everyone a happy belated Candlemas! 🥰