Crêpes or a groundhog. Which one would you choose?

On February 2^nd, France celebrates La Chandeleur. Officially, this day commemorates the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple of Jerusalem, forty days after his birth. Here in France, less officially but no less devoutly, it is the sacred feast of crêpes. The word Chandeleur comes from the Latin candela, meaning candle, and is also known as the Feast of Candles, a celebration of light, the returning daylight, the flame of candles, and the quiet glow of divine grace. It is a feast that whispers, Hold on—spring is coming.

French tradition insists that the first crêpe must be flipped with the right hand while holding a coin—once a golden Louis d’or—in the left. If it lands perfectly back in the pan, prosperity will follow for the year ahead. The crêpe itself is a symbol: round like the sun and golden like returning light.

Some say La Chandeleur is the combination of two ancient celebrations. The Celtic festival of Imbolc marked the return to the fields after winter. Tools were checked, homes cleaned, and candles remade. The Roman Lupercalia celebrated the end of winter and the preparation of the fields and herds for fertility and abundance. Farmers roamed the land with torches, chasing away darkness, poor harvests, and most likely ogres and other terrifying creatures. 

In 472, Pope Gelasius I officially Christianized the celebration, inviting the faithful to bring candles to church and take the blessed light home. He also reportedly handed out crêpes to pilgrims. A pope who understands hunger and symbolism is a pope worth remembering.

Crêpes are the specialty of Brittany and Normandie. Here in Provence, we can find a small selection of premade, yet delicious ones at the grocery store. I will attempt the filling this year. The first will be filled with jambon cru and warm goat cheese, served with a cider from Brittany. The cider is mandatory, and at only 3% alcohol, it is ideal for a weeknight. For dessert, I am debating between raspberry jam and chocolate. Perhaps both. 

However you celebrate, I hope you find a little ray of light to brighten your day.