ChristianFeast Day:
Adalbard, Cornelius the Centurion, Martyrs of Ebsdorf, February 2 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
A Christian liturgical feast honoring Adalbard, Cornelius the Centurion, and the Martyrs of Ebsdorf as observed in Eastern Orthodox tradition.
On February 2, the Eastern Orthodox Church commemorates several saints including Adalbard and Cornelius the Centurion.
The day also honors the Martyrs of Ebsdorf, early Christian figures celebrated for their unwavering faith.
Worship services include readings, hymns, and prayers dedicated to these holy figures.
This feast falls near the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, linking themes of dedication and witness to faith.
It is a time for the faithful to reflect on the examples set by these saints and their enduring spiritual legacy.
Feast Day
Adalbard
Cornelius the Centurion
Martyrs of Ebsdorf
February 2 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Earliest day on whichShrove Mondaycan fall, while March 8 is the latest; celebrated on Monday beforeAsh Wednesday(Christianity), and its related observances:
Bun Day(Iceland), Fastelavn(Denmark/Norway), Nickanan Night(Cornwall), Rosenmontag(Germany)
Shrove Monday, observed the day before Ash Wednesday, can fall as early as February 2 and is marked by Carnival celebrations across Europe.
Shrove Monday, the day before Ash Wednesday, marks the start of the final week of Carnival in many Christian communities.
Depending on the date of Easter, it can fall as early as February 2 or as late as March 8.
In Iceland, Bun Day is celebrated with sweet rolls, while in Denmark and Norway, Fastelavn includes costume parties and barrel-beating.
Cornwall observes Nickanan Night with playful pranks, and Germany honors Rosenmontag with grand parades and floats.
These diverse customs unite communities in festive spirit before the solemnity of Lent begins.
Shrove Monday
Ash Wednesday
Bun Day
Iceland
Fastelavn
Nickanan Night
Cornwall
Rosenmontag
Feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Template or Candlemas(Western Christianity), and its related observances:
Aquarter dayin the Christianliturgical calendar(due toCandlemas). (Scotland), Celebration ofYemanjaorOur Lady of Navigators(Candomblé), Chandeleur(France), Liichtmëssdag(Luxembourg), Our Lady of the Candles(Filipino Catholics), Virgin of Candelaria(Tenerife, Spain)
Candlemas celebrates the presentation of Jesus at the Temple and the purification of Mary, observed with candle-lit rituals and diverse cultural festivities.
Candlemas, celebrated on February 2, commemorates the presentation of the infant Jesus in the Temple and the ritual purification of Mary.
The Feast of the Presentation is a key event in Western Christian liturgy, often marked by blessing candles for use throughout the year.
In France, Chandeleur features the tradition of eating crêpes, symbolizing the sun and light.
Luxembourg’s Liichtmëssdag involves children parading with lanterns, while Filipino Catholics honor Our Lady of the Candles.
In Tenerife, the Virgin of Candelaria is venerated with pilgrimages, and Candomblé communities celebrate Yemanja and Our Lady of Navigators.
These global customs unite themes of light, purification, and hope across faiths and cultures.
Feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple or Candlemas
Western Christianity
quarter day
liturgical calendar
Candlemas
Yemanja
Our Lady of Navigators
Candomblé
Chandeleur
Liichtmëssdag
Our Lady of the Candles
Filipino Catholics
Virgin of Candelaria
Tenerife
Cornelius the Centurion
Feast day commemorating Cornelius the Centurion, traditionally regarded as the first Gentile convert to Christianity.
Cornelius the Centurion is celebrated on February 2 in Christian calendars.
According to the Acts of the Apostles, he received a vision leading to his baptism by Saint Peter.
He represents the opening of the early Church to Gentile believers.
His feast day is observed with liturgical readings, hymns, and prayers highlighting faith and hospitality.
Communities honor his legacy in services and reflect on themes of inclusion and divine calling.
Cornelius the Centurion
Martyrs of Ebsdorf
Commemorates the Christian soldiers and clergy slain at the Battle of Ebsdorf in 880 AD, venerated as martyrs.
On February 2, the Martyrs of Ebsdorf are remembered for their sacrifice during a conflict with Norse invaders.
Historical records describe their stand at Lüneburg Heath where many perished in defense of their homeland and faith.
They were later honored by the Church as examples of piety and courage.
This observance includes readings on martyrdom and prayers for steadfastness under persecution.
Communities may hold special services to honor their memory and legacy.
Martyrs of Ebsdorf
February 2 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Various saints and feasts observed by the Eastern Orthodox Church on February 2.
February 2 in the Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar commemorates multiple saints and historical events.
Notable observances often include the Presentation of Christ at the Temple and related hymns.
Church services feature Vespers, Matins, and Divine Liturgy with specific readings and prayers.
Icon processions and the blessing of candles may also take place to symbolize Christ as the Light of the World.
Faithful participate in communal worship and reflect on the theology of purification and dedication.
February 2 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Fastelavn(Denmark/Norway)
Pre-Lenten carnival in Denmark and Norway featuring costume parades, bun-eating, and playful traditions.
Fastelavn takes place on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent.
Children dress up in colorful costumes and visit neighbors to collect treats and money.
A highlight is 'slå katten af tønden' (hit the cat out of the barrel), a game where participants smash a barrel of candy.
Families also enjoy fastelavnsboller, rich cream-filled buns topped with icing and jam.
The festivities blend Christian preparation for Lent with folk customs of masquerading and merrymaking.
Fastelavn
Rosenmontag(Germany)
Germany’s Rose Monday of Karneval celebrated with colorful parades, satirical floats, and street parties.
Rosenmontag falls on the Monday before Ash Wednesday, serving as the zenith of German Karneval.
Major cities like Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Mainz host elaborate parades featuring giant floats and marching bands.
Participants dress in vibrant costumes, masks, and themed attire to mock politics and society.
Traditions include distributing sweets ('Kamelle') to spectators and the chanting of carnival songs.
The day fosters a festive atmosphere of satire, music, and communal celebration across Germany.
Rosenmontag
Celebration ofYemanjaorOur Lady of Navigators(Candomblé)
Afro-Brazilian festival honoring Yemanjá, the sea goddess, with offerings and vibrant shore processions.
Every February 2, devotees in Brazil celebrate Yemanjá, known as Our Lady of Navigators in Catholic tradition.
Worshippers dress in white and bring flowers, perfumes, and jewelry to offer at the water’s edge.
Ceremonies blend Candomblé rites with Catholic Masses, reflecting Brazil’s syncretic spirituality.
Processions carry images of the goddess into the sea, accompanied by drumming, singing, and dancing.
The festival symbolizes gratitude, protection for sailors, and hope for a prosperous year at sea.
Yemanja
Our Lady of Navigators
Candomblé
Chandeleur(France)
French Candlemas festival celebrated with the making and sharing of crêpes to welcome spring.
Chandeleur, observed on February 2, marks the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple.
In France, it is popularly known as La Chandeleur, or Crêpe Day, when families gather to make crêpes.
A traditional custom involves flipping crêpes with a coin in hand to ensure prosperity in the coming year.
The round, golden crêpes symbolize the sun’s return and the end of winter.
Festivities blend religious observance with culinary delight, enjoyed in homes and cafés nationwide.
Chandeleur
Liichtmëssdag(Luxembourg)
Liichtmëssdag is Luxembourg's Candlemas celebration on February 2, where children carry lanterns through villages to welcome the returning light.
Liichtmëssdag, or Candlemas Day, is observed annually in Luxembourg on February 2. It marks the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple and the midpoint between midwinter and spring. Children craft lanterns and parade through streets singing traditional songs to symbolize the return of light. The festival fosters community spirit as families gather to share sweet treats and warm drinks. Liichtmëssdag combines religious devotion with folk customs to celebrate hope and renewal.
Liichtmëssdag
Our Lady of the Candles(Filipino Catholics)
The Feast of Our Lady of the Candles is celebrated by Filipino Catholics on February 2 with the blessing of candles honoring Mary's purification and the Presentation of Jesus.
The Feast of Our Lady of the Candles, known as 'Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria' in Spanish, is a significant Marian devotion in the Philippines observed on February 2. Devotees gather at parishes to have blessed candles which symbolize the light of Christ and the purity of Mary. The celebration includes processions, floral offerings, and solemn masses. Many regions incorporate local cultural performances and feasting, blending religious solemnity with festive spirit. This feast strengthens community bonds and honors Mary as a beacon of faith.
Our Lady of the Candles
Filipino Catholics