What Are The Candles At Christmas?
Candles have been a cherished part of Christmas traditions for centuries. The twinkling lights of candles symbolize hope, peace, and the light of Christ during the Christmas season. Throughout history, candles have been incorporated into religious ceremonies, Christmas decor, and family rituals across various cultures.
Some of the earliest records of using candles at Christmas date back to the Middle Ages in Europe, where a large candle was lit to represent the Star of Bethlehem that guided the three wise men to the newborn Jesus. The Advent wreath with four candles also emerged during the Middle Ages as part of the season’s anticipation leading up to Christmas.
Today, the warm glow of candles continues to be an integral part of Christmas celebrations around the world. From the candles on the Advent wreath, to the candles adorning the Christmas tree, to the luminarias lining walkways, these little lights remind us of the true spirit of Christmas.
Advent Candles
The Advent wreath is a Christian tradition that uses four candles to symbolize hope, love, joy, and peace leading up to Christmas. The wreath is circular to represent God’s infinite love. The lighting of the candles takes place on each of the four Sundays preceding Christmas.
Each candle has a special meaning: The first purple candle is the “Prophecy Candle” recalling the prophets who waited in hope for the arrival of the Messiah. The second purple candle is the “Bethlehem Candle” symbolizing the journey to Bethlehem. The pink candle is the “Shepherd’s Candle” honoring the shepherds who received the joyful news. The final white candle is the “Angel’s Candle” signifying the peace brought by the angels’ announcement of Jesus’ birth.
The number of candles lit grows each week as Christmas approaches, reflecting the increasing anticipation and light spreading in the world. The gradual lighting is meant to mirror the growing excitement around the Nativity of Jesus Christ. Many families light the candles at dinner or in rituals before the Advent wreath.
On Christmas Eve or Christmas day, the central white Christ Candle is lit to mark the arrival of the Light of the World. The Advent candles remain lit for celebrations until Epiphany, also known as Three Kings’ Day (sources: https://hallow.com/blog/advent-candles-and-advent-wreaths/, https://www.dynamiccatholic.com/advent/advent-candles.html)
Christmas Eve Candles
Lighting candles on Christmas Eve is a longstanding tradition in many Christian households. The candles represent the light of Christ coming into the world. This tradition comes from the biblical story of Jesus’ birth, where his birth was announced by the appearance of the bright Star of Bethlehem that guided the three wise men to find the newborn Jesus 1.
In many families, candles are lit and placed in the windows of homes on Christmas Eve. This tradition started many centuries ago and was originally done to light the way for strangers traveling at night so they could find shelter. It also signified that those who knocked would be welcomed with food and warmth. Today, the tradition represents welcoming the arrival of Jesus, who was born in a stable because there was no room at the inn. Candles in the window on Christmas Eve also symbolize welcoming visiting family members and showing others that the home is filled with the light of Christ 2.
Candles on the Christmas Tree
The tradition of placing candles on Christmas trees dates back to 16th century Germany. According to a History.com article, it was commonly believed that Protestant reformer Martin Luther first added lighted candles to a tree in the 16th century. The candles were meant to represent the stars in the night sky.
In the early days, candles were attached to tree branches using pins, wire or string to hold them in place. This created an extreme fire hazard, with many early Christmas trees going up in flames. Over time, candleholders were developed to try to secure the candles. Even still, burning candles on Christmas trees led to many home fires.
In the late 19th century, the advent of electric Christmas lights revolutionized Christmas tree decorating. Edward H. Johnson, an associate of Thomas Edison, introduced the first electric lights in 1882. These electric lights became the successor to dangerous candles. By 1920, electric Christmas lights were commonplace in American and European homes.
Candles in Christmas Decor
Using candles as part of holiday decor is a popular tradition that adds a warm, cozy glow to any space. Candles come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and scents that allow people to customize their decor. Common ways to incorporate candles into Christmas decor include:
- Placing candles on mantels, shelves, side tables, and other surfaces
- Putting candle holders in windows
- Setting candles on stair railings and banisters
- Using candles on dining room tables and kitchen counters
- Arranging candles into centerpieces
- Surrounding wreaths and garlands with candles
While candles create beautiful twinkling lights, it’s important to keep safety in mind. The National Fire Protection Association offers these tips for using candles safely as part of holiday decor:
- Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.
- Do not leave burning candles unattended. Extinguish candles before leaving a room.
- Avoid using candles near trees, curtains, wrapping paper, decorations or anything else flammable.
- Do not burn candles near pets or small children.
- Always use sturdy, non-flammable candleholders.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on burn time and proper use.
- Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which provide the ambiance without the fire risk.
With some common sense precautions, candles can add beautiful holiday cheer to Christmas decorating.
Candlelight Christmas Services
Attending a candlelight Christmas Eve church service is a beloved tradition for many families. The services often start after sunset and feature the lighting of candles to symbolize the light of Christ coming into the world. Congregants may hold candles or small candles are placed into paper bags or cups to prevent wax from dripping.
The candlelight represents Jesus Christ, the light of the world, illuminating the darkness. As the candles are lit, light spreads throughout the sanctuary, visually reminding attendees of how the gospel spreads hope and salvation. The candlelight service reinforces the biblical imagery of Christ bringing light into spiritual darkness. Attendees reflect on the meaning of his birth during this moving ceremony.
Many churches hold candlelight services on Christmas Eve or the Sunday before Christmas. These services include carols, readings from the nativity story, and a sermon connecting the Advent season to the light and hope of Christ. The candle-lighting ceremony creates a peaceful, reflective mood and a powerful reminder of the reason for the season.
For families seeking a centering spiritual moment amidst the bustle of holiday preparations, attending a Christmas Eve candlelight service can be both beautiful and meaningful. The imagery and symbolism create an impactful opportunity to reflect on Jesus as the light of the world.
Sources:
https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/content/how-to-have-a-christmas-eve-candlelight-service-at-home
Hanukkah Candles
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, has several traditions involving candles. The most important Hanukkah tradition is the nightly lighting of the menorah. The menorah holds nine candles – one for each night of Hanukkah, plus the shamash (helper candle). On the first night of Hanukkah, the shamash candle is used to light just one candle on the menorah. On the second night, the shamash lights two candles, and so on, until all eight candles are lit on the final night.
The menorah candles have deep spiritual meaning in the Hanukkah tradition. Lighting the candles represents the miracle that occurred when a small bottle of pure oil, expected to only burn for one night, miraculously burned for eight full nights in the rededicated Temple. The glow of the Hanukkah candles also represents the light of God and the Jewish people prevailing over darkness.
There are specific rituals for lighting the menorah each night. The candles are inserted and lit from right to left, but kindled from left to right. Blessings and prayers are recited during the candle lighting. After the candles burn down, the menorah should be placed where it can be seen by passersby, to publicize the Hanukkah miracle.
Kwanzaa Candles
A key custom during Kwanzaa is the daily lighting of the mishumaa saba or the seven candles, which are placed in the kinara candle holder. The kinara holds seven candles – three red candles on the left, three green candles on the right, and a black candle in the center. Each candle represents one of the seven principles (Nguzo Saba) of Kwanzaa.
The black candle symbolizes the African-American people, the red candles represent the struggle and blood shed by ancestors, and the green candles represent the future and hope that comes from the struggle. During Kwanzaa, the black candle is lit first on December 26th. On each of the following days, alternating red and green candles are lit to honor the seven principles.
Lighting the candles each evening and discussing the principle associated with that day bring families together to reflect on their shared heritage and values. The lighting of the kinara candles connects Kwanzaa observers to the origins of the holiday and the ongoing struggle, hope, and unity it represents. (Source: https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/a34894866/kwanzaa-principles-candles-meaning/)
Candles as Gifts
Candles make a popular Christmas gift as they capture the cozy warmth and light associated with the holiday season. They come in festive scents like pine, peppermint, and cinnamon that evoke Christmas memories. Candle gift sets with multiple scents are a great option for sharing holiday cheer.
Many enjoy making homemade candles as Christmas gifts for a personalized touch. This allows creativity in choosing scents, colors, containers, and decorative embellishments. Popular homemade candle gift ideas are pouring soy wax into mason jars and adding Christmas ribbon. With homemade candles, the giver can customize the creation for the specific recipient.
Luxury candle brands like Voluspa and Effing Candle Co. offer beautifully packaged holiday candles that make impressive gifts. These often come in gift sets with multiple festive scents to experience. Quality candles presented in decorative tins or glass containers bring excitement when unwrapped and enhance any holiday décor.
Conclusion
Candles have been an integral part of Christmas traditions for centuries, symbolizing light, hope, and the spirit of the season. From the Advent candles that count down the weeks leading up to Christmas, to the candles on the Christmas tree and around the home, candlelight sets a warm, festive, and spiritual mood. The tradition of lighting the candles on Christmas Eve before midnight services represents Jesus Christ as the light of the world. Hanukkah candles commemorate the miracle of oil lasting eight nights, and Kwanzaa candles represent core principles and ancestors. Candles also make thoughtful gifts, spreading light and joy. Though styles and customs vary across faiths and cultures, the flickering glow of candlelight continues to be a cherished part of holiday celebrations, bringing people together through its timeless beauty and meaning.
