Joshua Bennett
There is no strict rule on when Catholics should take down their Christmas trees and decorations. However, the liturgical calendar offers some guidance. Many Catholics choose to take down their decorations after the Feast of the Epiphany or Three Kings' Day, which marks the end of the 12 days of Christmas. Some may also wait until the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which falls on the first Sunday after Epiphany. Others follow the medieval tradition of keeping their decorations up until Candlemas Day or the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary on February 2, which marks the end of Christmastide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| End of Christmas season | The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the first Sunday after 6 January |
| Christmas decorations taken down | After the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, or as late as 2 February (Candlemas) |
| Candlemas | 2 February |
| Christmas tree taken down | As soon as it starts shedding needles |
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What You'll Learn
The Feast of the Epiphany
The primary focus of the Feast of the Epiphany in Western traditions is the visitation of the Magi, or the Three Wise Men, to the newborn Jesus. This event is significant as it represents the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles and is marked by the exchange of gifts. In many countries, Epiphany is celebrated with special pastries, such as King Cake, and children often receive small gifts in their shoes, honouring the Magi's gifts to Jesus.
However, the Feast of the Epiphany also commemorates other important events. These include the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, where he was revealed as the Son of God, and his first miracle at the wedding feast in Cana. In Eastern traditions, the feast is known as Theophany and primarily celebrates Jesus' baptism, recognising it as the manifestation of his divinity.
The traditional date for the Feast of the Epiphany is January 6th, twelve days after Christmas. However, in some countries like the United States, the celebration is moved to the Sunday between January 2nd and 8th. The eve of the feast, January 5th, is known as Twelfth Night, and it is customary for Christians in many localities to remove their Christmas decorations on this day. Alternatively, some Christians wait until Candlemas on February 2nd, which marks the conclusion of Epiphanytide and is considered a "Christmas feast day".
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The Baptism of the Lord
The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, or Theophany, is a feast day commemorating Jesus's baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. The celebration of the feast has evolved over time. Initially, the baptism of Christ was celebrated on Epiphany, alongside the arrival of the Magi and the wedding at Cana. However, in the West, the baptism of the Lord is now often commemorated as a distinct feast from Epiphany, usually celebrated on the Sunday after Epiphany.
In the Catholic Church, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is observed as a separate feast in the Roman rite. Pope Pius XII instituted a separate liturgical commemoration of the Baptism in 1955. The feast is typically celebrated on the Sunday after Epiphany, except when Epiphany falls on January 7th or 8th, in which case it is celebrated the following Monday. When the feast is celebrated on Sunday, it is considered part of Christmas Time, but when observed on Monday, it falls in Ordinary Time.
The date of the feast can vary slightly between different Christian denominations. For example, some Lutheran churches celebrate it on the Sunday before Lent (Quinquagesima), and in the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches, the baptism of the Lord is celebrated as part of the Great Feast of the Theophany on January 6th.
The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is significant as it marks the end of the Christmas season and the beginning of Ordinary Time. It is a time when Christians reflect on their commitment to follow Jesus and witness to Him daily, guided by the Word of God. In prayer, we experience God's presence and are reminded that we are His beloved children. The feast also symbolises a new beginning, as God descends and enters us, allowing us to be reborn in Him.
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Candlemas
The tradition of Candlemas is deeply rooted in Christian theology. According to the Gospel of Luke, Mary and Joseph took the infant Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem 40 days after his birth for the rites of purification and dedication, as prescribed by the Torah. The feast day commemorates this presentation of Jesus at the temple and his role as a light to dispel sin and darkness, enlightening pagan nations.
The custom of blessing candles during Candlemas has a long history as well. Traditionally, since at least the 7th century, candles have been blessed during Mass on this day and used throughout the year. The term "Candlemas" itself is derived from "candela," meaning candle, highlighting the importance of light in this festival.
In addition to its religious significance, Candlemas also holds cultural and agricultural importance. In some parts of the world, it is considered a festival of lights, with processions and dances taking place. For example, El Día de la Candelaria is a public holiday in Mexico, with families gathering to eat traditional dishes like tamales. In Belgium, it is customary to eat pancakes, and all the candles in the house are lit. Candlemas was also an important date for farmers, marking the beginning of the "farmer's year" and the resumption of fieldwork preparations.
Overall, Candlemas is a significant day for Catholics and other Christians, combining religious devotion with cultural and agricultural traditions, and serving as a reminder of the light and hope brought by Jesus Christ into the world.
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The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
The origins of this feast can be traced to the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:22–40), where it is described that Mary and Joseph, in obedience to the Torah and Jewish Law, took the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem. This visit served two ritual purposes: the purification of Mary after childbirth and the redemption of the firstborn son. According to Leviticus 12, a mother who had given birth to a boy was considered unclean for seven days, followed by thirty-three days of blood purification. Therefore, Candlemas corresponds to the day when Mary, adhering to Jewish law, underwent a ceremony of ritual purification.
The feast also commemorates the redemption of the firstborn son. According to the Mosaic Law, the first-born male was considered the Lord's possession and was destined to serve in the temple. However, when the descendants of Levi took on this service, the prescription was no longer mandatory. As Jesus was presented in the Temple, this feast celebrates his ritual redemption.
The name "Candlemas" stems from the custom of celebrating this feast with lighted candles, symbolizing Simeon's prophecy that Jesus would be "a light for revelation to the Gentiles," echoing Isaiah 49:6. In the Roman Catholic Church, the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple is the fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary, and the feast day is associated with the renewal of religious vows.
On this day, many Catholics bring candles to church to be blessed. These candles are then lit during prayer or challenging times as a symbol of Jesus Christ, illuminating the world. The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is a significant day in the Catholic liturgical calendar, marking the conclusion of the Christmas season for some and emphasizing the purification of Mary and the encounter between Jesus and Simeon and Anna in the Temple.
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The end of Christmas celebrations
The end date of Christmas celebrations for Catholics is a topic of polite disagreement. While some Catholics take down their decorations after the Feast of the Epiphany, others wait until after the Baptism of the Lord. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) states that the liturgical season of Christmas ends with the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord. This is observed on the first Sunday after 6 January in the Novus Ordo, which fell on 8 January in 2023 and 12 January in 2024-25. After the Baptism of Christ, clergy wear green vestments to mark Ordinary Time.
The Feast of the Epiphany, also known as Theophany in the Eastern rites of the Catholic Church, is celebrated twelve days after Christmas. It commemorates the revelation that Jesus was the Son of God to the Three Wise Men, as well as his baptism in the Jordan River and the wedding at Cana. In the Eastern rites, Theophany celebrates the manifestation of Jesus' divinity at his baptism. In the Latin Rite, the clergy wear white during the 12 days of Christmas, except during St Stephen's Day and the Feast of the Holy Innocents, when they wear red.
The Octave of Christmas includes the eight days between Christmas Day and New Year's Day, which is also the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God. The 12 Days of Christmas are the 12 days between Christmas Day and Epiphany, likely adapted from pre-Christian winter festivals. During this time, it is traditional to listen to Christmas music and hymns.
Some Catholics extend their Christmas celebrations until Candlemas, also known as the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, on 2 February. On this day, Catholics bring candles to church to be blessed and then light them at home during prayer or difficult times as a symbol of Jesus Christ, the light of the world. Candlemas is the last day that the Marian hymn "Alma Redemptoris Mater" is sung at the end of the night prayer of the Divine Office.
Ultimately, the decision of when to end Christmas celebrations and take down decorations is a personal one, based on individual traditions and customs.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no strict rule on when Catholics should take down their Christmas decorations, but the liturgical calendar offers some guidance. Many Catholics take down their decorations after the feast of the Epiphany on January 6, or the Sunday between January 2 and 8.
Epiphany, also known as Three Kings' Day, marks the end of the 12 days of Christmas and the visit of the Magi to honour the infant Jesus.
Some Catholics may choose to keep their decorations up until Candlemas Day on February 2, which marks the end of Christmastide. The Vatican also keeps its Christmas tree and crèche in St. Peter's Square in Rome until this date.
There is no rule on when Catholics should put up their Christmas decorations, but some may choose to wait until Christmas Eve to respect the season of Advent. Others may put up their tree earlier, but leave it bare until closer to Christmas.
