Liichtmëssdag and Candlemas on February 2

Liichtmëssdag is one of the most charming traditional events you will discover in Luxembourg. It is also one of the favorite traditions of children, who go from house to house singing "Léiwer Härgottsblieschen" and collecting sweets. Take the opportunity to enjoy delicious homemade pancakes with your family. February 2 marks Candlemas Day.

Liichtsmëssdag traditions in Luxembourg

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

Children bring light to the villages

Luxembourg 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 primary school with the help of their teacher or "Joffer ."

At nightfall on February 2, the children walk the streets of their neighborhood, supervised 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 will ring your do to sing the song of Saint Blaise, the "Léiwer Härgottsblieschen"? In exchange, they will expect 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 have made their rounds of the neighborhood, the children gather at a neighbor's house to share the huge bags of candy and money they have collected. But they also look forward to a well-deserved treat of hot chocolate or pancakes! So, be sure to have some treats ready in case a small group of children comes knocking on your door! And don't be surprised if your child comes back from their rounds with a sausage or 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 They were then equipped with torches or candles, which have now been replaced by handmade lanterns for safety reasons. Liichtsmëssdag has its origins in pre-Christian times. By singing "Léiwer Härgottsblieschen, " children pray to Saint Blaise to protect the population from disease and provide them with enough food to get through the winter.

Pancakes to celebrate Candlemas in Luxembourg

February 2 is also Candlemas Day, which is celebrated more widely. The name comes from "candle," which evokes light.

The origins of Candlemas

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

In Christian times, in 472, Candlemas became the feast of light. Pope Gelasius I instituted torchlight processions on February 2, during which the faithful traveled to Rome to celebrate the presentation of the baby Jesus. The Pope offered them galettes, which became crêpes over the centuries. The faithful then took home the candles that the priest blessed in churches during religious celebrations. Would you like to learn about other Luxembourgish traditions? Click here.

The tradition of pancakes on Candlemas

In a more popular and pagan way, Candlemas is an opportunity to enjoy delicious pancakes. Tradition dictates that the first pancake should be flipped to bring good luck for the coming year. Some people do this 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 can flip the pancakes the highest? Are you familiar with the Dreikinneksdag tradition? Food lovers will enjoy the delicious galettes and king cakes.

Pancake recipe to delight food lovers

To celebrate Candlemas in a delicious way, here is our quick pancake recipe. After the Liichten, all the children will be delighted to eat a few. Something to keep them going while they wait for the spoils to be distributed!

Pancake recipe for 6 people:

Beat the following ingredients in a bowl:

• 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 batter.

Leave the batter to rest for 1 hour.

Then cook your pancakes in a hot pan, 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. Now it's your turn to flip them!

Liichtsmëssdag traditionally marks the beginning of the Carnival season.

This period is full of festive events. One of the highlights is Bretzelsonndeg. To find out more about this traditional event, explore our page on the tradition of love symbolized by the pretzel, which represents a beautiful moment for all lovers.