'CEREMONIES FOR CANDLEMAS EVE' by Robert Herrick


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Down with the rosemary and bays,
Down with the misletoe;
Instead of holly, now up-raise
The greener box, for show.

The holly hitherto did sway;
Let box now domineer,
Until the dancing Easter-day,
Or Easter's eve appear.

Then youthful box, which now hath grace
Your houses to renew,
Grown old, surrender must his place
Unto the crisped yew.

When yew is out, then birch comes in,
And many flowers beside,
Both of a fresh and fragrant kin,
To honour Whitsuntide.

Green rushes then, and sweetest bents,
With cooler oaken boughs,
Come in for comely ornaments,
To re-adorn the house.
Thus times do shift; each thing his turn does hold;
New things succeed, as former things grow old.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Ceremonies for Candlemas Eve: A Celebration of Life and Love

Robert Herrick's "Ceremonies for Candlemas Eve" is a poem that celebrates life and love through the use of vivid imagery and rich symbolism. As one of the most beloved poems in English literature, it has captivated readers for centuries with its beauty and profundity. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various themes and motifs present in the poem, as well as the historical and cultural context that shaped its creation.

Historical and Cultural Context

"Ceremonies for Candlemas Eve" was written in the 17th century, a time of great social and political upheaval in England. The country was still reeling from the aftermath of the English Civil War and the execution of King Charles I. This instability and uncertainty were reflected in the arts, with poetry and literature becoming a means of escape and solace for many.

Herrick himself was a clergyman and a poet who lived during the reign of King Charles I. He was known for his love of nature and his celebration of life's simple pleasures. His poetry was infused with a sense of joy and wonder, as well as a deep religious faith.

Themes and Motifs

At its core, "Ceremonies for Candlemas Eve" is a celebration of life and love. The poem is filled with vivid descriptions of nature and the world around us, as well as the joys of human relationships.

One of the main themes of the poem is the passage of time. The opening lines set the stage for this theme, as the speaker says, "Down with the rosemary, and so / Down with the bays and mistletoe; / Down with the holly, ivy, all, / Wherewith ye dress'd the Christmas Hall." Here, the speaker is acknowledging the end of the Christmas season and the beginning of a new year. This passage of time is also reflected in the changing seasons, as the speaker notes that "The earth that's nature's mother is / Her tomb; and every year she is / A bride, and bedded in the earth." This cyclical nature of life is both beautiful and poignant, reminding us of the transience of our existence.

Another important theme in the poem is the power of love. Throughout the poem, the speaker extols the virtues of love and the joy it brings. He describes the "good old man" who "Kisses his wife, and claps his hands, / And, with the rural minstrelsy, / Salutes his neighbours joyfully." This image of a happy couple surrounded by their community is a testament to the power of love to bring people together.

In addition to these themes, the poem is filled with rich symbolism and evocative imagery. The use of candles, for example, represents the light of life and the hope that comes with a new year. The image of the "blessed babe, / Lulled by a tender mother's kiss, / With holy hymn, and solemn bliss" is a powerful representation of the birth of Christ and the hope he brings to the world.

Literary Analysis

"Ceremonies for Candlemas Eve" is a poem that is notable for its use of language and rhythm. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, a rhythmic pattern that is often used in English poetry. This pattern gives the poem a musical quality, and helps to underscore the themes of joy and celebration that are present throughout.

The poem is also notable for its use of vivid imagery and symbolism. The use of candles, for example, is a powerful symbol of hope and renewal. The image of the "blessed babe" is a powerful representation of the birth of Christ, and the hope he brings to the world.

At the same time, the poem is not without its complexities. While it is a celebration of life and love, it also acknowledges the transience of our existence. The passage of time, the changing of the seasons, and the inevitability of death are all themes that are present in the poem. This complexity gives the poem a depth and richness that is not always present in poetry of this kind.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Ceremonies for Candlemas Eve" is a poem that celebrates life and love through the use of vivid imagery and rich symbolism. It is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the beauty of the world around us, and to make us reflect on our own existence. As we read this poem, we are reminded of the joys of human relationships, and the hope that comes with a new year. At the same time, we are reminded of the transience of our existence, and the need to cherish every moment we have.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

CEREMONIES FOR CANDLEMAS EVE: A Timeless Ode to Tradition and Faith

Robert Herrick’s “Ceremonies for Candlemas Eve” is a classic poem that celebrates the Christian tradition of Candlemas, a feast day that commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary. The poem is a beautiful ode to the rituals and customs associated with this holy day, and it captures the essence of the Christian faith in a way that is both timeless and inspiring.

The poem is structured in three stanzas, each of which describes a different aspect of the Candlemas Eve ceremony. The first stanza sets the scene, describing the preparations that are made for the ceremony:

Down with the rosemary, and so Down with the bays and mistletoe; Down with the holly, ivy, all, Wherewith ye dress'd the Christmas Hall.

The speaker is calling for the removal of the decorations that were used to adorn the Christmas Hall, signaling the end of the Christmas season and the beginning of a new one. The use of the imperative “down” emphasizes the urgency of this task, and the repetition of the word “down” creates a sense of finality and closure.

The second stanza describes the actual ceremony, which involves the lighting of candles and the singing of hymns:

Come, bring your pailles, flocks, and sedge, And every branche to make a fedge; And, if ye will, a carrol sing, To make the reeling roofes to ring.

The speaker is inviting the community to participate in the ceremony by bringing materials to make a “fedge,” or a fence made of branches, and by singing a carol to fill the room with music. The use of the word “reeling” to describe the roof suggests that the music is so powerful that it is causing the very structure of the building to sway.

The third and final stanza describes the significance of the ceremony, which is to honor the Virgin Mary and to ask for her intercession:

This done, we'll draw lots, to see Who shall for the presenters be: This done, we'll say, as we goe Whispering, 'Grace be to this house, and flow And brookes with honey all about, For everything in and out.'

The drawing of lots is a traditional way of selecting individuals to represent the community in the ceremony, and the invocation of grace and blessings for the house and its surroundings is a way of asking for divine protection and favor.

Overall, “Ceremonies for Candlemas Eve” is a beautiful and evocative poem that captures the essence of the Christian faith and the importance of tradition and ritual. The poem celebrates the beauty and power of music, the importance of community, and the significance of honoring the Virgin Mary. It is a timeless ode to faith and devotion that continues to inspire and uplift readers today.

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