As I’ve often written, February 2nd, or Candle Mass, is still the official end of the Christmas season in the Catholic Church. This was a day set aside for the blessing of the candles used in various church rituals. It may have derived from an older custom of people carrying torches in processions to purify the land during the winter gloom and honor (or exorcise) various spirits. The use of candles in a variety of rituals, ceremonies, and festivals goes back to ancient times. Candles made from bees’ wax were considered spiritually powerful, since bees were believed to come from Paradise.

During the Middle Ages, candles and any form of illumination were considered especially important during the winter gloom. And candle flame was also used for a variety of divinations and spells. It was thought that if a candle burned blue a ghost was lurking about. If a candle burned down too fast, there was a thief nearby. In vampire folklore, passing a candle over a corpse might cause it to reanimate as the undead.

However, since candle light represents the symbolic light of Christ it is also used in church rituals, including exorcism. In the past, leftover wax from a blessed candle was used to plug up a key hole to keep out evil spirits, including vampires. But, candles were also set out during All Souls’ Eve to help the wandering dead find their way home on this haunted night. Candles are used in voodoo rituals as well.

During the summer I decided to read something a little different than my usual science fiction and horror anthologies. I settled on Philip Freeman’s Sister Deidre’s Celtic Adventures series. Set in 6th century Ireland it centers around a young nun who solves a variety of mysteries. She also has a druid grandmother who frequently helps her. The first one I read was The Gospel of Mary, in which an elderly nun shows up at sister Deidre’s abbey with an ancient scroll. The old lady tells the younger that it is an actual scroll written by the Virgin Mary, and she must guard it with her life. Sister Deidre and another young nun decide to hide the parchment from church authorities, who will only be too happy to destroy it, and possibly even murder them. Mr. Freeman quite clearly knows a considerable amount on Celtic folklore and ancient beliefs. This was a well-written book that I found very entertaining. The second book I read in the Sister Deidre mysteries was Sacrifice. This might appeal to horror fans along with mystery enthusiasts. This has Sister Deidre investigating the weird ritual murders of several young nuns in her convent. When the blame is placed on the local druids, notably Sister Deidre’s grandmother, it is up to the nun to find out the true culprit(s). I recommend both books highly… Happy winter; stay warm.