Tag Archive for: presentation

Groundhogs, Pagans and Celebrations

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Armodoxy for Today: Candlemas, Groundhog Day and the Celebrations

A shadow is worth six weeks, at least if the shadow is that of Punxsutawney Phil. Yes, it’s Groundhog Day here in America and the little rodent came out of his hole with all the fanfare of the local community and those watching virtually on monitors throughout the country.  Before you think that you’ve tuned into the weather forecast or a small animal’s nature show, let me mention that today, February 2nd also has religious significance.

In Christianity, February 2nd marks 40 days after Christmas. In Scripture, the Evangelist St. Luke tells us that Joseph and Mary took the baby Jesus to the Temple as was the custom on the fortieth day after birth for all babies to be presented to the Temple, hence, the name “The Presentation.” In the West, it is referred to as Candlemas.

Candlemas and Groundhog Day share deep roots in ancient pagan traditions that marked the midpoint between winter and spring. Candlemas—linked to the festival of Imbolc—originated as a pagan observance in the Roman world before becoming a Christian feast celebrating the presentation of Jesus in the Temple, observed forty days after Christmas on February 2. In German folklore, weather predictions were tied to the behavior of a badger, a tradition that German immigrants carried to Pennsylvania, where the groundhog eventually took the badger’s place. The belief that a groundhog’s shadow on February 2 foretells either six more weeks of winter or an early spring became formalized in Punxsutawney in 1887, evolving into the cherished American custom celebrated today.

Because we in the Armenian Church celebrate the Nativity of Christ on January 6th as part of the Theophany Celebration, the Presentation is celebrated in 12 days, on February 14, with rituals that take from other pagan observances.

There is no need to hide the pagan roots of any of our celebrations. They are pointers to life being lived and enjoyed. Jesus came into the world, in his words, so that we may have life and have it abundantly, (John 10:10), celebrations are outward expressions of the abundance of joy in our lives. Pagan society had their rituals and their enjoyment according to many of the cycles of nature. Whether it’s the midwinter, the Equinox, the Solstice, rituals celebrate the possibility of new life, of forgiveness, of moving forward in the face of adversity.

Christ’s message is celebratory. It celebrates the defeat of darkness by light, evil by good and hate by love.

We pray, a prayer of St. Mesrop Mashdots of the 5th Century: Mighty King, refuge to the thirsty, Savior of the troubled, who succumbed to suffering for us at the hands of rulers. Prohibit Satan from enslaving those whom You have saved. Forbid the Evil One from seeking refuge in the House of God. With Your divine love, have mercy upon your creation. Amen.

A Fire for Valentine & Presentation

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Armodoxy for Today: Valentine & Presentation

On the day of the year when flowers, candies and heart-decorated cards are exchanged between lovers to celebrate Valentine’s Day, the Armenian Church celebrates the feast of Diaruntarach, commemorating the scene described in the Gospel of St. Luke, chapter 2.

To be sure, Valentine is a saint recognized by the Armenian Church but not necessarily remembered on the Church calendar. Being a 3rd century personality, St. Valentine is part of the group of saints recognized by the Universal Church. In the West they celebrate his feast in February and in the East in July. As for the flowers, candies and heart-decorated cards, it is the free market capitalizing on love, which is not a bad deal. The more we can talk about love, the better for our world.

According to Scripture, “Now when the days of her [Mary’s] purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him [Jesus] to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord.” (Luke 2:23) This takes place on the 40th day following birth. Since the Armenian Church celebrates the Nativity and Baptism of Jesus Christ on January 6, we calculate 40 days later on February 14. The West calculates this date from December 25 and celebrates it on February 2, referring to it as the feast of Presentation, or Candlemas. In a more secular world, we have Groundhog Day competing for our attention.

The message of this day comes to us from “a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout… and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” (vs.25-26)

At the Temple, upon seeing Jesus, he takes Jesus in his arms and proclaims this prophecy, “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.

Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, ‘Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.’” (vs. 29-35)

In Simeon’s words and at the altar we find the Divine plan for salvation through Jesus Christ.

A tradition associated with this feast is the lighting of bonfires, and young couples jump over them as part of a folk ritual of fertility. There have been some priests who have tried to connect it to the “Fire of Christ” or the “Light of Christ.” Like Occam’s Razor, Armodoxy shaves off the excess and looks at the simplest explanation. It is a fertility rite left over from pagan days. It’s about carnal love and fits in with the Valentines motif and so along the lines of the groundhog at the midwinter, have fun and enjoy the celebration but call it for what it is.

Appropriate for the day and the traditions, I offer this prayer from St. Nersess Shnorhali (10th hour), “O Christ, who are the Living Fire, inflame my soul with the fire of Your love. Which you did send forth upon the earth, that it may burn the stains of my soul, sanctify my conscience, purge the sins of my body, and kindle in my heart the light of Your knowledge. Amen.”

Valentine & Presentation

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Armodoxy for Today: Valentine & Presentation

On the day of the year when flowers, candies and heart-decorated cards are exchanged between lovers to celebrate Valentine’s Day, the Armenian Church celebrates the feast of Diaruntarch, commemorating the scene described in the Gospel of St. Luke, chapter 2.

To be sure, Valentine is a saint recognized by the Armenian Church but not necessarily remembered on the Church calendar. Being a 3rd century personality, St. Valentine is part of the group of saints recognized by the Universal Church. In the West they celebrate his feast in February and in the East in July. As for the flowers, candies and heart-decorated cards, it is the free market capitalizing on love, which is not a bad deal. The more we can talk about love, the better for our world.

According to Scripture, “Now when the days of her [Mary’s] purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him [Jesus] to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord.” (Luke 2:23) This takes place on the 40th day following birth. Since the Armenian Church celebrates the Nativity and Baptism of Jesus Christ on January 6, we calculate 40 days later on February 14. The West calculates this date from December 25 and celebrates it on February 2, referring to it as the feast of Presentation, or Candlemas. In a more secular world, we have Groundhog Day competing for our attention.

The message of this day comes to us from “a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout… and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” (vs.25-26)

At the Temple, upon seeing Jesus, he takes Jesus in his arms and proclaims this prophecy, “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.

Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, ‘Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.’” (vs. 29-35)

In Simeon’s words and at the altar we find the Divine plan for salvation through Jesus Christ.

A tradition associated with this feast is the lighting of bonfires, and young couples jump over them as part of a folk ritual of fertility. There have been some priests who have tried to connect it to the “Fire of Christ” or the “Light of Christ.” Like Occam’s Razor, Armodoxy shaves off the excess and looks at the simplest explanation. It is a fertility rite left over from pagan days. It’s about carnal love and fits in with the Valentines motif and so along the lines of the groundhog at the midwinter, have fun and enjoy the celebration but call it for what it is.

Appropriate for the day and the traditions, I offer this prayer from St. Nersess Shnorhali (10th hour), “O Christ, who are the Living Fire, inflame my soul with the fire of Your love. Which you did send forth upon the earth, that it may burn the stains of my soul, sanctify my conscience, purge the sins of my body, and kindle in my heart the light of Your knowledge. Amen.”

Tag Archive for: presentation

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