What Is The Thing That Spins With Candles At Christmas?

A common decoration seen during the Christmas holiday season is a spinning ornament that holds candles. Typically made of metal or wood, this decor features circular or spiral arms with candle holders at the ends. When lit, the candles on the spinning ornament create a warm, festive glow as the momentum makes the candles appear to move in a circle or spiral. Found in many homes and public Christmas displays, these spinning candle holders have become a beloved tradition of the holiday in many places around the world.

Names and Origins

The Christmas candle holder that spins is known by several different names. The most common names are:

• Candle carousel
• Advent wreath
• Christmas candle ring
• Yule log crown
• Santa Lucia candle crown

This holiday decoration originated in Germany in the 19th century. It was designed to hold four candles representing the four weeks of Advent. The candles were arranged in a circle with greenery also incorporated. This gave the candleholder the appearance of a wreath, leading to the name Advent wreath.

In Scandinavia, a crown made of lingonberry branches holding candles is used to celebrate Saint Lucia Day on December 13. This is likely how the candle carousel adopted the name Santa Lucia candle crown as well.

History and Tradition

The candle-powered spinning wheel decoration has its origins in Scandinavia as a symbol of Saint Lucia. The tradition dates back centuries, to a time when the long, dark winter was brightened by festivals of light. Saint Lucia’s feast day falls on December 13th, originally the winter solstice before calendar reforms. She represents hope and the return of brighter days. Her name even stems from the Latin word for light, “lux”.

In the old Norse pagan religion, Lucia may have originated with the goddess Frigg and connected to fertility rituals. But over time she became associated with Christian traditions. The spinning candle wheel evokes Saint Lucia’s crown of candles as she delivered food to people in need. In Scandinavia, young girls dress in white robes with wreaths of burning candles on their heads to honor Lucia on her feast day. The spinning decoration harkens back to these traditions of bringing light and hope during the darkest time of year.

Materials

Traditionally, candle carousels are made from a variety of materials including wood, metal, and wire. Each material lends itself to a different aesthetic and functional purpose.

Wood has historically been the most common material used to construct candle carousels. Hardwoods like oak, maple, and cherry provide durability while also being easy to shape and carve elaborate designs into. Softer woods like pine and poplar allow for more delicate spindlework. Wooden candle carousels range from simple, homemade versions to ornate carvings done by master craftsmen.

Wrought iron and other metals also make striking candle carousels. The strength of iron makes it possible to create large, heavy pieces that incorporate smooth curves and intricate scrollwork details. The metal is often finished with decorative elements like gold or copper leafing. Smaller wire carousels are also popular, formed by bending and twisting the wire into flowing shapes.

Each material offers its own advantages in terms of artistry, resilience, and cost. But regardless of the medium, the rotating design allows the flickering candlelight to be beautifully showcased.

Design

The typical design of a candle powered wreath or crown has a circular frame, often made of metal wires or thin strips of wood, forming the base. Attached along the frame are candle holders, usually small metal cups, spaced at regular intervals. The candle holders allow taper candles or small votive candles to be placed around the frame and lit during the holiday season.

The frame is fashioned into a circle, oval, or crown/wreath shape, with candle holders extending outwards. This allows the candles’ light to shine out in all directions when lit. The most common designs have 4-12 candle holders, depending on the overall size. More elaborate wreaths may have 25 or more candles around the frame.

In addition to the circular frame and candle holders, decorative elements are often added. A mix of evergreen branches, pine cones, holly, berries, and ribbons are frequently entwined around the frame. This serves both decorative and functional purposes, covering the basic frame and helping obscure the candles/holders.

The design focuses on maximizing the candlelight while keeping the wreath/crown structure balanced and stable when hung. The lights glowing amongst the greenery create a beautiful centerpiece during the Christmas season.

Meaning

The spinning Christmas candle holder represents light and hope during the darkest time of the year. In many cultures, candles and light are used as symbols during the winter solstice, when daylight hours are shortest. The returning sun was celebrated in pagan winter festivals that marked the renewal of light. When Christianity spread, the church adopted many of these light-based rituals. The Advent wreath with its circling candles ties to this tradition. The gradually lighting candles mark time passing as the solstice nears, symbolizing the coming of Christ, the light of the world. The spinning candle holder evokes this history. The circling lights glowing in a dark room evoke the turn from darkness back to light. The spinning motion also connects to the return of the seasons and nature’s cycles of renewal.

Uses Today

In the present day, Christmas candle carousels are primarily used for decorative purposes during the Christmas season. The spinning candles and lights create a warm, festive ambiance in homes and public spaces.

Christmas carousels are commonly placed on mantles, tables, countertops, shelves, or hung in windows. The rotating mechanism allows the carousel to slowly turn, showcasing the different stationary and moving elements. This eye-catching rotation draws attention and delights viewers.

In addition to decorating private residences, carousels are also used in themed Christmas displays, hotels, restaurants, stores, shopping malls, public squares, and other commercial locations. Their nostalgic and cozy image helps establish a feeling of the holiday season.

While no longer serving functional lighting purposes as in the past, the lit candles and lights on carousels remain a popular decorative element of Christmas décor. Their pleasing ambiance and motion help spread holiday cheer.

Variations

There are many different variations on the classic Christmas candle holder design. While the traditional style features a circular holder with candle prongs arranged in a circle, there are more creative designs available:

Star: Star-shaped candle holders are a popular alternative, with candle prongs radiating out from a central point to form a star pattern. The star is symbolic of the Star of Bethlehem that guided the three wise men to the nativity scene.

Reindeer: Reindeer candle holders are a fun, whimsical choice, especially for children. The prongs form the shape of a reindeer head and antlers. This ties in with Santa’s reindeer who pull his sleigh on Christmas Eve.

Snowflake: Delicate, lacy snowflake designs reflect the wintry weather at Christmastime. Each snowflake prong arrangement is unique, just like real snowflakes.

Wreath: Wreath-shaped candle holders allow the flames to peer out from within a decorative Christmas wreath. Evergreen wreaths are a classic holiday decoration.

The great thing about the variety of Christmas candle holders is that you can match it to your decor. Choose a classic circle shape or have fun with a novelty reindeer or snowflake design.

Safety

When using a candle-lit Christmas spinner, safety should always be a top priority. The open flames used to light the candles pose a potential fire hazard if not managed properly. Here are some tips to keep in mind for safe use of your spinner:

– Never leave a burning spinner unattended. Always keep an eye on the flames and have a plan to extinguish them if needed.

– Make sure to place the spinner on a sturdy, non-flammable surface away from tablecloths, curtains or other fabrics.

– Keep the spinner out of high-traffic areas and away from pets and small children.

– Check that candle holders are firmly affixed and not loose or wobbly.

– Keep a fire extinguisher, wet towel, or bucket of water nearby in case a candle gets knocked over accidentally.

– Make sure candles are enclosed in glass votives or containers so wax doesn’t drip onto the spinner.

– Let the wax cool completely before touching or moving the spinner.

– Use battery-operated flameless candles for a safer option.

Exercising reasonable precautions will allow you to enjoy the festive ambiance of a candle-lit spinner safely during the holidays.

Conclusion

The advent wreath and the tradition of lighting candles during the Christmas season holds great significance for many families. Though the specifics of the tradition have evolved over the years, the core meaning remains the same. The circular shape represents eternity and the coming of Christ, while the evergreens signify ongoing life and hope. The lighting of the candles over the four weeks leading up to Christmas builds anticipation and reminds us to reflect on the reason for the season.

Though the materials and designs have changed, the advent wreath continues to be a beloved symbol of the Christmas season for Christians around the world. The wreath adorns homes, churches, and town squares, gathering families and communities together to quietly reflect on this special time of year. The soft candlelight amidst the darkness of winter is a reminder of the light and hope promised by the birth of Jesus Christ centuries ago. When we take time to reflect during this busy season, the advent wreath tradition helps our souls and spirits prepare for celebrating Christ’s birth.