Candlemas rite in Lelchitsy District, Gomel Oblast

The winter rite Gramnitsy originated back in the pagan times: it was on this day that our ancestors made sacrifices to the god Perun (Thunder). As legend has it, after the holiday you can hear the first thunder heralding the imminent arrival of warmth. Subsequently, the pagan rite Gramnitsy merged with the church holiday Sretenie (Strechanne, or Candlemas) that marks the seasonal border between winter and spring, and also reminds Christian believers of the meeting of Jesus Christ with the righteous Simeon and Anna the Prophetess in the Jerusalem temple. On this day, our ancestors consecrated candles that were used in various ceremonies throughout the year and were kept behind the icons.