I painted this image for the Christmas Season this year. Tomorrow is February 2nd, traditionally celebrated by the Church as the Feast of the Presentation, when forty days after his birth, Jesus and Mary were presented in the temple according to Jewish practice. It has also been called ‘Candlemas Day’ because Jesus was recognized by Simeon as the Light of the World. New candles were blessed and lit in celebration. And it has also been called the Feast of the Purification of Mary, since according to Jewish custom, the mother underwent a purification ritual after giving birth.
