Candlemas has to be one of the weirdest holy days in my religion (Roman Catholic). I've always been fascinated by it, and the ritual that goes along with it -- the blessing of the throats.
Since Candlemas was Friday, the priest blessed throats today after mass. All he does is place two candles against your throat and says a small prayer. The belief is that this will ward off any illnesses throughout the year, and the ritual is done in honor of St. Blaise, who was beaten, attacked with iron carding combs, and beheaded for his beliefs. (Do you know how much it would hurt to be beaten with an iron carding comb? Those are the bristled instruments used to brush/wash raw fibers such as llama fur. Ouch.)
There's another part of Candlemas that closely resembles Groundhog's Day. "If Candlemas be sunny and bright, Winter again will show its might. If Candlemas be dark and grey, Winter will soon fade away."
Also, Candlemas is the day that all the candles in the church are blessed. (Said candles must be beeswax.)
There -- you've got your lesson in religion for the day. Enjoy.
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