What Does A Candle In The Window Mean During Christmas?

The tradition of placing a candle in the window during the Christmas season is a beloved and longstanding practice around the world. In simplest terms, a Christmas candle in the window represents welcoming and celebration. The candle’s light serves as a beacon inviting Christmas spirit into the home and as a symbol of hope and warmth during the darkest days of the year. As with many holiday traditions, the specific meanings and origins vary across different cultures and regions, but the candle is almost universally tied to welcoming visitations from friends and family and commemorating the light of the Christmas season.

Origin and History

The tradition of placing a candle in the window during the Christmas season dates back to early American colonial days in the 17th century. It started in New England and the Mid-Atlantic colonies that were largely settled by immigrants from England, Wales, and Ireland.

The candle represented a welcoming light guiding loved ones home for Christmas. It also symbolized a sign of hope and comfort for weary travelers on cold, dark winter nights. Families would keep the candle lit to help those who became lost or disoriented find shelter and warmth.

Some of the earliest written references to the tradition come from the mid-1800s. A poem published in 1857 mentions “the candle burning in the window at night” as a nostalgic symbol of Christmas in New England. Historic accounts from the late 19th century also describe families lighting candles in the window on Christmas Eve to guide carolers and visitors.

The tradition spread throughout America and became especially popular during the Victorian era in the late 1800s. Putting candles in windows was a beautiful and sentimental holiday custom that crossed socioeconomic lines and could be practiced by rich and poor families alike.

Symbolism

A candle in the window during Christmas time holds deep symbolic meaning. The candlelight represents welcome, warmth, and religious significance. The glow serves as a beacon to guide loved ones home for the holidays and conveys an open invitation for all weary travelers seeking rest and fellowship.

The candle’s warm light shines through the cold winter darkness, signifying hope, safety, and the promise of brighter days ahead. It communicates a spirit of compassion, belonging, and community. The small flame also carries religious meaning, representing Jesus Christ as the light of the world.

Overall, the lit candle radiates welcoming light and warmth, both physical and spiritual. Its flickering glow conveys deepest meaning – love, hope, fellowship, faith, and peace. For many, the candle shining in the window beautifully captures the heart and essence of Christmas.

Regional Differences

The tradition of placing a candle in the window during Christmas has some interesting regional variations across different countries and cultures:

In Ireland, it was customary to place a candle in the window on Christmas Eve to welcome Mary and Joseph. This candle was often decorated with holly leaves and berries. It served as a symbol of Irish hospitality, welcoming not just Mary and Joseph but any weary travelers passing by.

In parts of Germany, the candle in the window had special meaning on Christmas Eve. It was believed that the flame from this candle would help light the way for the Christ Child to find his way safely to people’s homes. Often, German families would also place treats or small gifts near the window candle to welcome Christkindl, the bringer of gifts.

In Scandinavia, especially Sweden, the candle in the window tradition is associated with Saint Lucia Day on December 13th rather than Christmas Eve itself. On this night, a young girl dressed in white and representing St. Lucia would carry candles to light her way, spreading light during the darkest time of the year.

In mountain villages of Greece and Romania, candles and lanterns placed in windows provided a warm glow to families gathered together inside, celebrating the Christmas feast. The candles served as beacons of light and hope.

In the Appalachian region of America, especially in pioneer times, a candle in the window offered a warm welcome to loved ones who had migrated west but returned home for Christmas. The candlelight served as a guide so they would not lose their way in winter storms.

Types of Candles

When it comes to a candle in the window, there are a few traditional types of candles that are commonly used:

Beeswax candles – These natural, non-toxic candles made from honeycomb are often used. The warm golden glow of beeswax is very welcoming.

Taper candles – Long, thin taper candles are frequently placed in candle holders in windows. Their slim shape makes them suitable for placing on narrow windowsills.

Pillar candles – These thick candles are perfect for providing a bold, bright light. Pillar candles come in varying heights and widths to fit different window sizes.

Votive candles – Small glass votive candle holders with candles are popular for windows. Groupings of votives can create a beautiful, cozy effect.

Tealights – These tiny candles encased in metal cups are affordable and easy to place in windows. Just be sure to put tealights in holders to catch dripping wax.

LED candles – Battery-operated LED candles provide the ambiance of real wax candles without the fire hazard. They’re a safe option for long-term window display.

Modern Practice

Despite the advancement of technology and artificial lighting, a candle in the window continues to be a beloved tradition during the Christmas season today. The warm, flickering glow it creates evokes feelings of home, hearth, hope, and welcome that people still cherish.

A candle in the window remains popular in many parts of the world. The tradition has become secularized over time, with the candle representing holiday cheer and hospitality even in homes without religious significance. New traditions have formed around electric candles for safety and convenience.

People often get creative with the tradition by using Christmas tree-shaped candles, multiple candles in different windows, battery-operated candles, or flameless LED candles. Wreath-shaped candles are a popular modern twist. Some families light their candle on Christmas Eve, others keep it burning every night throughout the festive season.

The candle in the window is one way families continue upholding beloved holiday traditions while adding their own special touches. The familiar warm glow remains a symbol of the generosity, peace, and light people want to invite in and spread during the Christmas season today.

In Literature and Media

Candles in the window have become an iconic symbol of Christmas through their numerous references and depictions in books, movies, songs, and other media over the years. Perhaps one of the most famous literary depictions is in Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol. When Scrooge visits his past, he sees a candle burning in the window of his school friend’s home on Christmas Eve as a sign of welcome and celebration. Candles in the window feature prominently in many classic Christmas movies as well, including Home Alone when the family decorates their home for Christmas while Kevin is accidentally left behind.

Popular Christmas songs also contain references to candles in the window, like “Candles in the Window” by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton which uses it as a metaphor for guiding loved ones home and keeping their memory alive. Even in modern pop culture, characters in films and TV shows are often seen placing candles in the window during sentimental Christmas scenes. Overall, the prevalence of the candle in the window trope in media has amplified its emotional symbolism and cultural significance as a cherished Christmas tradition.

DIY Guide

For those wanting to make their own candle displays, here are some tips for creating them safely:

Tips for making your own candle display safely

Candle displays can add beautiful warmth and ambiance to your home during the holidays, but they also pose a fire hazard if not handled properly. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

– Use sturdy non-flammable holders. Glass, metal, or high-heat ceramic work best. Avoid using paper, wood, plastics, or dried floral arrangements as they can easily catch fire.

– Place candles out of reach of children and pets to prevent burns or fires. Don’t put lit candles too close to things that can catch fire like curtains or trees.

– Keep candles away from drafts which can cause the flames to flare up. Don’t place near vents or frequently opened doors.

– Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to prevent sooting and huge flames.

– Allow wax to pool and melt evenly to prevent tunneling which makes the candle prone to flickering and smoking.

– Extinguish candles when leaving a room or before going to sleep. Never leave burning candles unattended.

– Have a fire extinguisher and baking soda on hand to immediately put out any accidental fires.

By taking the proper precautions, you can safely make beautiful candle displays to enjoy all season long. Just be sure to never leave burning candles unattended and to keep flammables at a distance. With a little care, you can create lovely candles that will make your holidays merry and bright.

Recommended Candles

When looking for a quality candle to place in your window this holiday season, here are some top picks to consider:

Yankee Candle Balsam and Cedar

This soy candle from Yankee Candle has a lovely scent of balsam, cedarwood and juniper berry that will spread cozy seasonal aroma through any room. The jar candle has a burn time of 110-150 hours.

WoodWick Candle Evergreen Forest

The crackling wooden wick of this candle from WoodWick creates a peaceful, natural ambiance. The tree-inspired fragrance combines notes of fir needle, pine and cedar. The large 22oz candle provides 45-55 hours of burn time.

Paddywax Candles Winter Hygge Collection

This set of 3 mini candles from Paddywax has lovely woody scents perfect for winter including Campfire, Cabin in the Woods and Frosty Forest. The 5.5oz candles each provide 18 hours of burn time and come in an attractive gift box.

Old Factory Candles Holiday Traditions Candle

This hand-poured soy candle is available in two festive scents for the holidays: Sugar Cookie and Christmas Tree Farm. Each 16oz candle has a burn time of 80-100 hours and is made in the USA.

Conclusion

The tradition of placing a candle in the window during the Christmas season is a beloved one with deep roots across many cultures. As we’ve explored, it emerged from pagan winter solstice rituals and took on Christian symbolism as a sign of welcome and hope. Regionally, it has developed distinct styles from simple beeswax tapers to elaborate illuminated displays. While the specifics have changed over time, the core meaning remains one of light piercing the darkest nights, warmth and community against the cold, and faith during times of uncertainty. The glow of a candle shining in a darkened window is a powerful and poetic part of many holiday celebrations worldwide. Even in our modern, electrified homes, these candles evoke nostalgia and magic. Though simple, they contain multitudes, reminding us of the past while lighting the way forward.