!!!Lichtmess

Candlemas (Mariae Lichtmess, Mariae Reinigung), February 2%%sup nd/% , 
one of the oldest Lady Days. Candles blessed on this day (evidence of 
candle blessings as early as the 10%%sup th/%  century) are meant to 
protect people, animals and the house from evil. In earlier times 
servants used to be hired and dismissed on this day ("Schlenkeltag") 
and payments settled, but it is also a  Lostag, on which, according to 
popular belief, the sun makes its first big leap (end of winter) and 
on which conclusions on weather outlooks and the harvest were drawn. 
In Eisenkappel (Carinthia) on the eve of Candlemas children carry 
lanterns through the streets ("Kirchleintragen"), a custom which 
originated from a religious vow.

!Literature
M. Maierbrugger, Lebendiges Brauchtum in Kaernten, 1978.


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