Happy Candlemas Day!

So many cultures mark the 2nd February, known as Candlemas, as a day to think of spring, of the thawing of the earth, the ending of the darkness, the long nights, the coming of the light. Candlemas was originally The Celtic spring festival of “Imbolc – meaning ‘belly of the spring’ – a celebration of the return of light and fertility to land after the long winter. Today, it is still associated with the rituals include gently waking up the home with small tasks, such as spring cleaning and hanging sprigs of rowan at your front door.

And what about food? It is tradition baking a seeds cake, although each Country has its own one. Let’s have a look at the list below.

• In many Irish counties, Candlemas is celebrated with the Boxty, a traditional Irish potato pancake consisting of finely grated raw potato and mashed potato with flour, baking soda, buttermilk and sometimes egg.

• Crêpes are eaten (of course) in France. But with a curious habit for this occasion: only after 8 in the evening!
• In Germany, pancakes were made as well. There’s actually a superstition linked to the pancake’s preparation there: if you could toss a pancake and have it land perfectly back in the pan, it meant you wouldn’t be wanting for money that year.