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The Origins of the Christmas Candle

_Elsa_
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Candles have been a traditional part of Christmas for centuries. Even as the presents are stored under the tree and children nestle down for the night, candles are placed in windows all over the world.

Lighting a candle and placing it in one’s window is a common Christmas tradition that dates back to colonial times. The tradition grew from the Irish whose faith was outlawed by British priests attempting to repress the Irish Catholics, preventing them from practising their faith. As a result, the priests went underground, travelling and worshipping in secret. Irish Catholics began lighting candles in their windows and leaving their doors unlocked at Christmas as a sign it was safe for a priest to visit under the cover of darkness.

Although the meaning of lighting a candle may have been lost by some over the years, it is still continued by families all over the globe. The significance of lighting a candle in a window differs per person, with people lighting candles for religious reasons, remembrance, family tradition or simply as a lovely festive decoration. So, let’s explore the different reasons why people light candles in their windows.

Christmas Candles and Religion - Windows bright with candle light symbolise different religious traditions for those of various faiths. For Christians, a candle is lit to represent the Star of Bethlehem, guiding the Magi to the stable where Jesus was born. For those of Jewish faith, a menorah in the window is a Jewish custom symbolising the miracle of Chanukah (when a single jug of oil burnt for eight days). Today, a menorah in the window represents the determination of the Jewish people for not abandoning their own faith. (Source)

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There are many different reasons why candles are associated with Christmas, although no one knows when they first became connected!

They were used during ancient winter solstice celebrations a way of remembering that spring would soon come.

One of the earliest records of candles being used at Christmas is from the middle ages, where a large candle was used to represent the star of Bethlehem. Jesus is sometimes called 'the Light of the World' by Christians. This might have started the custom of the Advent Crown and Advent Candles.

Candles are also used during Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of light which is also celebrated during winter. During the eight nights of Hanukkah, a candle is lit in a special menorah (candelabra) called a 'hanukkiyah'.

Candles are also used in the modern winter festival Kwanzaa, where a special candle holder called a kinara, that holds seven candles is used.

Perhaps the most famous use of candles at Christmas are Carols by Candlelight Services. These are services when the church is only lit by candles.

Candles were also originally used to decorate Christmas Trees, until safer electric lights were invented!

In some parts of Ireland, it was traditional to have a Yule candle instead of a Yule Log.

In Southern India, Christians often put small oil burning clay lamps on the flat roofs of their homes to celebrate Christmas. Christians in China use paper lanterns to decorate their Christmas trees. Candles are also used as part of the St. Lucia's or St. Lucy's day celebrations in Sweden. (Source)

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