East Harling, Norfolk
The Presentation of Christ in the Temple, commonly called the Purification of Saint Mary the Virgin or Candlemas, as portrayed in the late fifteenth century glass at East Harling, Norfolk.
The Presentation is described in the Gospel of Luke 2:22–40. Mary and Joseph took the baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem forty days after his birth to complete Mary's purification after childbirth, and to perform the redemption of the firstborn, in obedience to Law of Moses (Leviticus 12, Exodus 13:12-15, etc.). Upon bringing Jesus into the temple, the Holy Family encountered Simeon the Righteous. The Gospel records that Simeon had been promised that "he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord." (Luke 2:26) Simeon prayed the prayer that would become known as the Nunc Dimittis, or Canticle of Simeon, which prophesied the redemption of the world by Jesus:
"Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word, for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people, a light to enlighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel" (Luke 2:29-32).
Simeon then prophesied to Mary: "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against—yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also—that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed" (Luke 2:34-35).
In common with most medieval portrayals of this image it has an added iconographical detail. Joseph and the figure behind him are holding lighted candles. This is reflective of the common medieval name of the feast 'Candlemas', which derives its name from the liturgical blessing of candles that formed part of the mass. During the course of the mass, in return for presenting their parochial dues to the parish priest, the people which each receive a blessed taper in return.
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