Liichtmëssdag and Candlemas on February 2

Liichtmëssdag is one of the most charming traditional events you’ll experience in Luxembourg. It’s also a favorite tradition among children, who go from house to house singing“Léiwer Härgottsblieschen” and collecting candy. Take this opportunity to enjoy delicious homemade crêpes with your family. February 2 marks Candlemas.

Liichtsmëssdag traditions in Luxembourg

Liichtsmëssdag is one of our favorite traditions in Luxembourg. It takes place on February 2 every year.

Children bring light to the villages

Luxembourgish schoolchildren eagerly await “Liichtsmëssdag,” the eve of Saint Blaise’s Day. In anticipation of this big day, they prepare for the event by making lanterns in elementary school with the help of their teacher or “Joffer.”

At nightfall on the evening of February 2, the children walk the streets of their neighborhood, accompanied by adults or older children. Carrying their beautiful, colorful lanterns called “Liichtebengelcher,” they bring light to residents and shopkeepers. So don’t be surprised if, on that day, you see children wandering the streets with their lanterns. Perhaps — —they’ll ring your doorbell to sing the song of Saint Blaise, the“Léiwer Härgottsblieschen”? In exchange, they’ll be waiting for you to give them candy and other sweets. Don’t have any? A small bill or a few coins will be just as appreciated.

Then, once they’ve made their rounds through the neighborhood, the children gather at a house in the area to share the huge bags of candy and money they’ve collected. But they’re also looking forward to some well-deserved comfort food like hot chocolate or crêpes! So, you too should prepare some treats, just in case a small group of children comes ringing your doorbell! And don’t be surprised if your child comes back from their rounds with a sausage or some other Luxembourgish specialty 😉

The Tradition of Liichtsmëssdag in Luxembourg

As the lyrics of the song “Léiwer Härgottsblieschen” attest, children used to beg for bacon and peas. They were then equipped with torches or candles, which have since been replaced for safety reasons by handmade lanterns. Liichtsmëssdag has its origins in pre-Christian times. By singing “Léiwer Härgottsblieschen, ” children pray to Saint Blaise to protect the people from illness and provide them with enough food to get through the winter.

Pancakes to celebrate Candlemas in Luxembourg

February 2 is also Candlemas, a more widely celebratedholiday. The name derives from “chandelle,” which evokes light.

The origins of Candlemas

Since ancient times, the Roman people celebrated the god Pan by walking through dark streets with torches or candles, hence the name Candlemas. Candlemas is celebrated on February 2, exactly 40 days after Christmas. This holiday draws directly from Jewish traditions in which newborns are presented at the temple 40 days after their birth.

In the Christian era, in 472, Candlemas became the Feast of Light. Indeed, Pope Gelasius I instituted torchlight processions on February 2, during which the faithful traveled to Rome to celebrate the presentation of the infant Jesus. The Pope offered them flatbreads, which evolved into crêpes over the centuries. The faithful then took home the candles that the priest had blessed in the churches during religious celebrations. Want to learn about other Luxembourgish traditions? Click here.

The tradition of pancakes on Candlemas

In a more popular and pagan sense, Candlemas is an occasion to enjoy delicious crêpes. Tradition dictates that you toss the first crêpe to bring good luck for the coming year. Some perform this gesture while holding a coin in their left hand. This is said to bring prosperity to the family. The gesture requires a certain amount of dexterity. You’ll need to practice!

Who will manage to toss the pancakes the highest? Are you familiar with the Dreikinneksdag tradition? Food lovers will enjoy the delicious galettes and king cakes.

A Pancake Recipe to Delight Food Lovers

To celebrate Candlemas in style, here’s our quick pancake recipe. After the Liichten, all the children will be delighted to eat a few. It’s the perfect way to pass the time while waiting for the loot to be divided up!

Pancake recipe for 6 people:

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:

• 6 eggs
• 375 grams of flour
• 0.8 liters of milk
• 1 pinch of salt
• 3 tablespoons of sugar.
• Then add 75 grams of melted butter.

You should end up with a smooth, runny dough.

Let the batter rest for 1 hour.

Next, cook your pancakes in a very hot skillet, previously greased with a little oil (or butter).

For each pancake, pour a ladleful of batter into the pan and spread it out evenly. Cook for about 1 minute on each side.

The crêpe should be golden brown and come away easily when cooked. And now it’s your turn to make them!

Liichtsmëssdag traditionally marks the start of Carnival season.

This period is full of festive events. One of the highlights is Bretzelsonndeg. To learn more about this traditional event, explore our page on the love-filled tradition of the Bretzel, which symbolizes a beautiful moment for all lovers.