a feast of the Romish Church held on the second day of February, in honour of the purification of the Virgin Mary. It is so called from the great number of lights used on that occasion; a custom derived from early Christian times. This feast is supposed to have originated in the declaration of Simeon, that our Saviour was "to be a light to lighten the Gentiles." The Roman Catholics on this day consecrate all the tapers and candles which are to be used in their churches during the whole year. At Rome, the pope performs the ceremony himself, and distributes wax-candles to the cardinals and others, who carry them in procession through the great hall of the pope's palace. This ceremony was prohibited in England by an order of council in 1548.

**Candlemas**, the second of February, is one of the four terms of the year for paying and receiving rents, interest, &c. In the courts of law Candlemas term begins 15th January and ends 3d February.