The traditions of Liichtsmëssdag in Luxembourg

The Liichtmëssdag takes place on February 2 each year. It is a day much awaited by Luxembourg schoolchildren. Equipped with beautiful colored lanterns “Liichtebengelcher”, the children go through their neighborhood in search of candy and/or money.

They prepare for this event days in advance by making these lanterns themselves in class, with the help of their “Joffer”.

As soon as the night falls, the children walk with their lanterns in the streets of their city or village. Supervised by adults or older children, the children will ringing the doorbells and singing the traditional song of Saint Blaise. Their hope? Collect treats or a little money.

As the lyrics of the song “Léiwer Härgottsblieschen“ show, children used to beg for bacon and peas. But today, they meet after their quest in a house to share the huge bags of candy and money collected.

So, you too, get your treats ready in case a small group of kids comes knocking on your door!

Candlemas and pancakes

February 2 is also the Feast of Candlemas. The name derives from “candle” which evokes light.

Candlemas traditions

According to Jewish tradition, February 2 celebrates the presentation of the baby Jesus in the temple, 40 days after his birth on Christmas Day.

For Catholics, Candlemas represents the festival of light. Priests bless candles in churches. The faithful then take them home.

In a more popular and pagan way, Candlemas is the occasion to taste delicious pancakes .
Traditionally, the first pancake is blown up to bring good luck for the coming year. Some people perform this gesture by holding a coin in their left hand. They bring prosperity to the family.

The gesture requires a certain dexterity. You’ll have to practice! Who will manage to blow up the pancakes the highest?

Pancake recipe to treat the “Liichter

To celebrate Candlemas in a greedy way, we give you our quick recipe of pancakes. After the Liichten, all the children will be delighted to eat some of them. Enough to wait for the distribution of the booty!

Pancake recipe for 6 people:

Beat 6 eggs with 375 grams of flour, 0.8 liter of milk, 1 pinch of salt and 3 tablespoons of sugar in a bowl.

Then add 75 grams of melted butter. You should have a smooth, fluid paste.

Let the dough rest for 1 hour.

You will then cook your pancakes in a very hot frying pan, 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 pancake should be golden brown and come apart easily when cooked. And now it’s your turn to blow it up!

Liichtsmëssdag traditionally marks the beginning of the Carnival period.