Candles flicker in churches to remind parishioners of the “Light of the World.” Tallow tapers, wicks in wax, if they are where worshipers kneel, they get blessed on Candlemas, February 2nd. Traditionally, Candlemas was a time to celebrate 3 things:

1. Jesus’ entrance into the temple.

2. Hallelujahs were said, too, that 30-plus days after the Beloved’s birth, Mary was deemed “clean” again. (Yikes!)

3. Candlemas was also a time to rejoice that Jesus was “presented” (named) a member of the Jewish temple.

There were witnesses at the presentation. Including a prophetess named Anna. According to Luke (yes, the one from the Bible) “In that instant [she] gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem…And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.” (Luke 2:38, 40 KJV)

Speaking of sweet births, before the rise of Hispanic and Catholic cultures, tamales were placed on the altars of Mayan gods. Time travel forward: Tamales are the go-to food for Candlemas. Baby Jesus dolls are tucked inside Three Kings Cakes served on Epiphany. The person who gets the slice with the doll is then responsible for making Candlemas tamales. Good thing the “winner” gets nearly a month to make the food. Tamales are scrumptious but labor intensive. (A cornhusk is wrapped and tied around cornmeal dough which encases a filling. The tamales are then steamed or boiled.)

These days, ordering tamales is perfectly legal. At the Candlemas celebration ignited by Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens staff and residents, the delivered chicken cilantro and pineapple raisin tamales were exceptional. So was the impromptu dancing. The best part of the Candlemas party? The shining eyes and smiles which brought to mind the sage words of Rumi: “It is your Light that lights the world.”