Monday, February 2, 2015

Celebrating Candlemas



Photos from Candlemas 2014

Have you noticed it? A little shift in the light, a slight difference in the winter stillness, the soft humming of the earth's energy under the frozen ground, and the sense of hope and promise for what is to come? Today we honour these things with the celebration of Candlemas, marking the halfway point between winter and spring.

Slowly Mother Earth is beginning to wake up from her deep winter sleep, the seeds below are beginning to stir, and the birds sing a happier tune as both light and warmth fill our days. We notice as we sit down to dinner that we are no longer sitting in darkness, and our thoughts turn towards the lengthening days, and the excitement of what is to come. It is the movement forward, out of hibernation, into the light and warmth of the earth, knowing with certainty that spring is coming.

Today, in celebration of Candlemas, and the returning light, we will walk in the woods, create snow candles, and rain sticks, plant seeds, and enjoy a fire in the backyard, burning our winter evergreen decorations. Dinner will be enjoyed by candlelight, as it is every night throughout the winter, but tonight will be different, because we know the need for this light is fading.

Spring is coming, with its fresh face, to shower us in light and warmth, and I am looking forward to it with great anticipation.

*****
Candlemas 2013
Candlemas 2014
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67 comments:

  1. Julie Maloney HandmadeFebruary 2, 2015 at 5:22 AM

    Our temps have been cooler this week, and I can almost feel Autumn in the air. I think Summer will hit us though with some more hot days, prob when we least expect it. I love your candles Kim, such a lovely idea. Do you pour the wax onto snow and wait for it to set? I'm intrigued. xo

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    1. Kim February 2, 2015 at 6:11 AM

      I bet that is just lovely with all the hot weather you guys have had. Enjoy the cooler temperatures while they last.

      Yes, if you look back to last year's post you will see how we made them....http://www.motheringwithmindfulness.com/2014/02/candlemas.html

      xo

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  2. Julie Maloney HandmadeFebruary 2, 2015 at 5:23 AM

    The candles are such a lovely shape too. Enjoy xo

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    1. Kim February 2, 2015 at 6:12 AM

      I agree, and I think they are a lovely shape because Mother Nature shaped them :)

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  3. sylviaFebruary 2, 2015 at 5:44 AM

    What a lovely tradition! I like the idea of snow candles. Unfortunately we only had 1 snow day so far this year, and I'm not very hopeful for more. Have a lovely week, Kim and family!

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    1. Kim February 2, 2015 at 6:13 AM

      Thanks Sylvia. Don't let that stop you, two years ago we didn't have any snow, so instead we made earth candles. You can see them here...http://www.motheringwithmindfulness.com/2013/02/candlemas.html

      Wishing you a lovely week too my friend. xo

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  4. Hollands ReverieFebruary 2, 2015 at 7:32 AM

    Dreamy! You manage to create the loveliest of feelings and ideas- Reece is one blessed boy to have you as his mama!

    www.hollandsreverie.blogspot.com

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    1. Kim February 2, 2015 at 4:10 PM

      Thanks Chelsea, for the very kind words. They mean a lot. xo

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  5. Tracey ~ CloverFebruary 2, 2015 at 7:37 AM

    I have noticed and I am not thrilled at all. My snow chance? It looks like it's gone, but it was nice to think it was going to happen even if it was only for 24 hours. One day I Will get to make a snow candle, I love yours.

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    1. Kim February 2, 2015 at 4:11 PM

      Oh no, sorry Tracey. You need to come for a visit, 15cm just fell, and we are suppose to have another storm blow through tomorrow night. Lots of the white stuff to play in now.

      Thank you. We made smaller ones today, and they turned out lovely.

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  6. ericaFebruary 2, 2015 at 7:58 AM

    love your snow candle...what a wonderful tradition for this time of year !!!

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  7. AnkeFebruary 2, 2015 at 8:01 AM

    We've noticed it as well. It is getting light out a wee bit earlier every day and gets darker a wee bit later. Of course as I'm writing this, I'm watching snow flurries... Considering it was almost 60 a few days ago, this just doesn't seem right.

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    1. Kim February 2, 2015 at 4:14 PM

      Isn't the extra light just lovely. We are enjoying it. Ha, we had 15cm fall today, and another 10cm coming tomorrow night. It seems I forgot to let Old Man Winter know that we are half way to spring :)

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  8. UnknownFebruary 2, 2015 at 8:01 AM

    Oh, lovely! I need to do some with my kids as now snow has arrived!!!!!

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    1. Kim February 2, 2015 at 4:15 PM

      Yes you do, they would love it. And now you have the snow to do it. Have fun!

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  9. fjord girlFebruary 2, 2015 at 8:26 AM

    These are the best Kim, remember them from the past years- simply lovely. and yesssss to the light, we have been noticing it here too on the 48th parallel.

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    1. Kim February 2, 2015 at 4:15 PM

      Thanks Camilla. I am loving the extra light. Right now we are gaining about 2 minutes extra per day, and it is just lovely.

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  10. Isis Loran- Little Mountain HavenFebruary 2, 2015 at 10:29 AM

    We walk through the forest to get to our daughters playdate and we've totally noticed how light it is (as we always return at 4)
    I've never heard of Candlemas before. I love the feeling you've created in me as I read this. I have so much hope for spring! I think we shall have a little celebration today now. Thank you.

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    1. Kim February 2, 2015 at 4:17 PM

      It is nice, isn't it? Definitely puts a little spring in my step.

      Thank you. It is one of my favourite celebrations. We keep it simple, but meaningful. Hope you enjoyed your little celebration. You are most welcome. xo

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  11. AnonymousFebruary 2, 2015 at 10:44 AM

    I have been feeling the shift as well. It has been in the 50's here, and even though I know I should not get used to it, I am more excited everyday! ENjoy your day!

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  12. Yanic A.February 2, 2015 at 10:46 AM

    Beautiful words, happy celebrations to you.
    Haha, I think our hearts are getting warmer, but the temps are still so cold here. But you are right about feeling something stirring. I love February, probably my favorite winter month. Maybe without knowing it, my heart has always celebrated Candlemas for the simple fact that it has always rejoiced at the fact that spring was right around the corner.

    Have a wonderful week Kim.

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    1. Kim February 2, 2015 at 4:19 PM

      Thanks Yanic, it has been a really lovely day. Yes, I hear you on that one, still very cold here, but there is that certainty in the air, the knowing that spring is on its way, and will be here soon.

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  13. TamaraFebruary 2, 2015 at 11:43 AM

    Yay to more light! It is so nice to see the days getting longer, it makes the cold a little more bearable!

    Today we celebrate Brigid, the goddess of the sacred flame that brings like and life to the land as the sun grows warmer. If it weren't for a storm today we would be out making candles too! Instead we will make cheese crackers - yellow as the sun!

    Happy Candlemas to you! xx

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    1. Kim February 2, 2015 at 4:20 PM

      Yes it does. We chatted about Brigid in our morning circle today, we kinda tie it all in with Candlemas. The snow candles turned out great, our little snowstorm finished up around noon, so we headed out after that to make them. Hope the crackers turned out well.

      Thanks, to you too. xo

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  14. UnknownFebruary 2, 2015 at 12:27 PM

    I just noticed this morning that my garden is full of sunlight where a week ago in the mornings it was still mainly shaded. Candlemas seems like a lovely tradition! Happy week dear friend!

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    1. Kim February 2, 2015 at 4:21 PM

      It is amazing isn't it? Enjoy it my friend.

      It is one of my favourite celebrations, and I love the simple ways we have decided to mark the day.

      Thanks, wishing you a happy week too! xo

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  15. AnonymousFebruary 2, 2015 at 1:41 PM

    Slowly the light of winter is changing. Just as Our Creator made it so. I enjoy each and every season...they all have their blessings in them :0) mari

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    1. Kim February 2, 2015 at 4:23 PM

      Yes, slowly it is changing, and with it comes hope for the seasons ahead. I, like you, love each season too. Each one offers me abundant opportunities to soak up the beauty around me. I can't imagine living in a place without the four distinct seasons we experience.

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  16. CocoFebruary 2, 2015 at 3:42 PM

    Love it! So many wonderful ideas here. I confess I didn't even make the connection of Candlemas falling half way between the solstice and the equinox. Some how Candlesmas is always one of the festivals that falls through the cracks at our house. I think about it every year, but when the time comes it passes by largely unacknowledged. Perhaps next year! Thanks for the great ideas.

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    1. Kim February 2, 2015 at 4:24 PM

      Thanks Coco, that means a lot coming from you my friend. Truth be told, I love this little festival, it fills me with so much hope and excitement for what is to come.

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  17. Carie @ Space for the ButterfliesFebruary 2, 2015 at 4:25 PM

    Oh I love the snow candles! We've never enough snow around here but I've got plans to try sand candles with my girls when they're a bit bigger. Happy Candlemas and here's to the arrival of spring soon!

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    1. Kim February 2, 2015 at 4:35 PM

      Thanks, they are so much fun to make. The sand candles are fun too, we made them two years ago when we didn't have any snow for Candlemas.

      Thank you, Happy Candlemas to you too!

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  18. Place Under The PineFebruary 2, 2015 at 5:09 PM

    Isn't it Groundhog day :)

    The candle making by snow is really neat. Love that you put up links to the past years, it's always fun to look back and compare weather and people.

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    1. Kim February 2, 2015 at 6:09 PM

      It certainly is :) Thanks, they are fun to make. Thank you, I hadn't thought of it before, but it seemed like a great idea, so I gave it a try this time. Glad you liked it.

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  19. alexaFebruary 2, 2015 at 10:31 PM

    I love reading your posts, Kim. Such wholesome goodness. Far removed from the commercial consumerism. But steeped in pure joy and peace.

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    1. Kim February 3, 2015 at 5:56 AM

      Thank you Alexa, for your very kind words, they mean a lot, and pretty much sum up a lot of why we live the life we do.

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  20. NoémieFebruary 3, 2015 at 2:16 AM

    Oh beautiful, such a wonderful way to celebratecandlemas ! I love the idea of the candles in the snow and spending time outside with a warm fire too... :)

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    1. Kim February 3, 2015 at 5:58 AM

      Thank you, it was a lovely day, that included a snow storm as well :) The snow candles were fun, and the kiddos enjoyed them. We burnt one of our during dinner last night, and little man thought it was wonderful :) Outdoor fires during the winter are the best...I think I like them better than summer fires.

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  21. sustainablemumFebruary 3, 2015 at 9:05 AM

    It is a gradual change but I am noticing and loving it, the extra light is most welcome. We too still need candles in the evening but it won't be long. We have had to postpone our celebrations as we have been struck down with sickness here today, it is a very very rare occurrence (sickness that is) so we don't mind too much :)

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    1. Kim February 3, 2015 at 4:27 PM

      I like the slow, gradual change, it is like a little bit of something special each day. Right now we are gaining just over 2 minutes of daylight a day, and it is wonderful.

      Oh no, hope you are all feeling better soon. Take care.

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  22. Mama Gone GreenFebruary 3, 2015 at 10:57 AM

    Beautiful candle! We already have flowers popping up here! Spring is on its way, for sure!

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  23. karenFebruary 3, 2015 at 11:57 AM

    I have noticed it and it's lovely. I do like this time of year mid winter and the light changing by the week. It's staying lighter outside too!! Love how you celebrate with your little one who is not so little anymore.

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    1. Kim February 3, 2015 at 4:28 PM

      It is a lovely time of year. Some days a little bit of warmth and sunshine, but other days a little snow. And each day a little bit more light. Enjoy it Karen.

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  24. jennyFebruary 3, 2015 at 11:58 AM

    oh, how lovely! i had no idea that it was candlemas (i had never actually heard of it) but i am definitely feeling the stirring and the changes... it feels wonderful.

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    1. Kim February 3, 2015 at 4:29 PM

      Thanks Jenny. I agree, it does feel wonderful. Enjoy!

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  25. Darcel {MahoganyWayMama}February 3, 2015 at 1:24 PM

    What a sweet tradition. My kids noticed it seemed to stay light a little longer, and I am very grateful for the longer days. Excited to welcome Spring.

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    1. Kim February 3, 2015 at 4:30 PM

      Thank you Darcel. I love the longer days, they have a certain happy feeling to them :)

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  26. LeisaFebruary 3, 2015 at 8:34 PM

    We are the opposite here. All of a sudden I have realised (well, over the past week actually) that it is darker when I rise in the morning. I wanted to celebrate our summer solstice but with all my busy-ness it passed me by without me realising. Oh well....looking forward to celebrating our winter solstice!

    I do so love your snow candles!

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    1. Kim February 4, 2015 at 6:41 AM

      Ah, yes, you guys are moving into your dark time of the year.

      Thank you.

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  27. ShelFebruary 3, 2015 at 8:51 PM

    Just beautiful, dear friend! We had a lovely time celebrating Candlemas for the first time yesterday. Such a sweet festival and one that we'll be celebrating from now on! Your snow candles came out perfectly! xo
    http://www.ouronesweetfamily.blogspot.com/2015/02/candlemas.html

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    1. Kim February 4, 2015 at 6:42 AM

      I am so happy you enjoyed your first Candlemas Shel. It really is a lovely festival, and so simple to celebrate.

      Thank you. I bet the girls would love the snow candles :)

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  28. This little lifeFebruary 4, 2015 at 12:00 PM

    I love the snow candles! Very cool. I have never heard of Candlemas either , I love the idea. The time of year I'm finding I am aware of the changes, but had no idea we were at that halfway point already!

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    1. Kim February 4, 2015 at 2:51 PM

      Thanks Carlin, they are fun to make. I bet your girls would love them. Doesn't feel good to know we are halfway there :)

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  29. rhonda jeanFebruary 4, 2015 at 5:02 PM

    We're moving towards darkness too, and I love it. Two weeks ago, from my workroom window, I could see the sun rising between the palm trees and the telegraph pole. Almost too fast, it's moved to rise directly in front of me. I'll be pleased to welcome the cooler weather back. Enjoy your snow candles.

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    1. Kim February 4, 2015 at 6:18 PM

      I love how amazing our world is, that as we move towards the light, you guys are moving towards the dark. Enjoy the solace that comes with the movement towards darkness and the cooler weather.

      Thank you, we have been. They have been burning during our meal times. Little man loves seeing the candles he made gracing our table.

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  30. Old Gates FarmFebruary 5, 2015 at 9:14 AM

    My friends and I have just been talking about that shift in light. This morning, I woke with a start thinking I had slept in because of how bright it seemed...ha!

    Those snow candles look so neat!

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    1. Kim February 5, 2015 at 4:41 PM

      Thanks, the snow candles are lots of fun, you guys should try them.

      The returning light kinda sneaks up on you doesn't it? We are loving it, and I am looking forward to the morning light getting stronger each day.

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  31. Jen@ barnraisedFebruary 5, 2015 at 7:34 PM

    Love the candles! We did candles too, beeswax ones as usual. These look great. And because of my husband's Mexican heritage we always eat tamales for dinner on Candelmas (Candelaria) :)

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    1. Kim February 6, 2015 at 3:28 PM

      Thanks Jen. I love beeswax, it is the only thing we burn in our home. So cool to hear how different nationalities celebrate Candlemas. Hope you guys enjoyed your celebrations.

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  32. AimeeFebruary 7, 2015 at 3:29 AM

    Oh that candle is beautiful

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  33. AppleshoeFebruary 9, 2015 at 9:30 AM

    Ah spring, looking forward to it this year. Hopefully it will bring rain. That candle looks beautiful. I've seen this done with snow and sand.. One day we will have to give it a try.

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    1. Kim February 9, 2015 at 4:07 PM

      So are we, although we are still enjoying winter :) Yes, we have done both earth candles and snow candles, both are fun. Enjoy it when you give it a try.

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  34. Wonky PatchworkFebruary 11, 2015 at 8:08 AM

    I've never heard of candlemas before but it sounds like a perfect one to celebrate, I will remember for next year.

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    1. Kim February 11, 2015 at 9:04 AM

      It is so lovely Sally, I think you guys would enjoy it.

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