Why Do Pennsylvanians Put Candles In Their Windows?

The tradition of putting a candle in the window has long been a beloved custom in Pennsylvania. Though the exact origins are unknown, records show candles glowing in Pennsylvania windows as far back as the late 18th century. While the reasons for placing a candle in the window have evolved over time, it remains an endearing part of Pennsylvania history and culture today.

Origins

The tradition of placing candles in windows in Pennsylvania dates back to colonial times in the 18th century. It originated among the Pennsylvania Dutch, who were German immigrants that settled in Pennsylvania starting in the late 1600s and early 1700s. The Pennsylvania Dutch brought many traditions from their homeland in Germany, including the practice of putting a candle in the front window of their homes.

In Germany at the time, candles in the window served both practical and symbolic purposes. Candles helped light the way for travelers or visitors making their way to a home at night in the era before electric lights. The candle’s flame also represented hospitality, welcoming guests and offering warmth. This meaning translated over to the Pennsylvania Dutch settlers’ new homes in America.

Over time, the placement of a candle in the window became an established folk custom across Pennsylvania Dutch country in southeastern and southcentral Pennsylvania. By the 1800s it was a well-known part of the culture and holiday traditions of the region.

Meaning

The symbolism behind a lit candle in the window holds deep meaning for many Pennsylvanians. The soft glow of a candle in the darkness has long been associated with hope, guidance, and welcome. A candle burning in a home’s window conveys an open invitation – it signals to passersby that they are welcome to come inside and find shelter, food, or good company. The warm light piercing the cold night air radiates a spirit of compassion and community.

The candle custom also has religious significance. For Christians, the lit candle represents Jesus Christ, the “light of the world” who offers spiritual guidance. During the Advent season leading up to Christmas, candles symbolize the coming of Christ. Keeping a candle burning in the window shows one’s faith and readiness to receive the light and blessings of Christ into their home.

In a metaphorical sense, the glow of the candle dispels darkness like knowledge dispels ignorance. With its flickering flame, the candle embodies enlightenment, wisdom, and learning. Many take comfort in its quiet message that even a small light can make a big difference. For this reason, a candle in the window expresses hope during difficult times.

Holiday Tradition

One of the most popular times for Pennsylvanians to place candles in their windows is during the holiday season, especially around Christmas. The soft glow of a candle shining out into the dark winter night symbolizes warmth, welcome, and the light of the Christmas spirit. Families light candles to guide carolers, Santa Claus, and visiting loved ones to their home. The candles represent a guiding light, like the Christmas star that led the wise men to Jesus. Lighting the way for others to find shelter goes back to early Christian traditions of charity and opening one’s home to travelers in need. Throughout the Christmas season, candles in the window indicate a spirit of generosity, community, and hope.

Welcoming Guests

One of the most well-known reasons Pennsylvanians put candles in their windows is as a sign of welcoming guests or travelers. This tradition dates back to early pioneer days when many roads were unpaved and dangerous to travel at night. Placing a lit candle in the window was a way for pioneers to signal to any passersby or travelers that they were welcome to stop in for food, shelter, or rest.

Even today, a candle in the window serves as a beacon of hospitality and warmth. It indicates that whoever arrives is welcome inside, whether expected or unexpected. The soft glow emanating from the candle reassures visitors that they will find refuge and comfort within. This quaint custom carries on the spirit of kindness and community that was so vital to survival for Pennsylvania’s early settlers.

In many parts of Pennsylvania, residents continue lighting candles in their windows year-round. This shows an openness to embracing new friends or visitors at any time. It also helps preserve the heritage of generosity that makes the state proud. So next time you’re walking past a home or business with a lit candle in the window, know that you are invited to stop in and make yourself at home.

Religious Significance

The tradition of placing lit candles in windows has connections to religion in Pennsylvania. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Moravian church encouraged its members to place candles in their windows on Christmas Eve. This was a way to symbolize welcoming the light of Christ into their homes.

For the Moravian church, the candlelight on Christmas Eve also represented openness and hospitality, as well as guiding those seeking shelter to a place of warmth. The lit candles served as a spiritual beacon, with the light being reminiscent of the star that guided the three wise men to the nativity scene.

Placing candles in windows continues this religious significance today. The flickering lights are seen as welcoming the hope and peace of the Christmas season. They can also represent prayers and blessings for loved ones both near and far.

Regional Differences

Pennsylvanians have put candles in their windows for centuries, but the tradition varies across different regions of the state. In eastern Pennsylvania, especially near Philadelphia, candles in windows originally signaled to strangers that they would be welcome as guests in colonial times. In central Pennsylvania, the tradition stems more from German and Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Candles were lit to help guide spirits on certain nights of the year.

Western Pennsylvania has its own strong regional traditions around candle lighting. Historically, candles in windows in Pittsburgh and other western cities showed support for various labor movements. During the early 1900s, a candle burning in the window meant that the household supported steelworkers’ unions. Later, the tradition became associated more with Catholic heritage and welcoming the Christ child.

So while the ritual of placing a lit candle in the window carries through all regions of Pennsylvania, the exact origins and associations vary. But no matter where they are in the state, Pennsylvanians use candlelight to signify community, hospitality, and heritage.

Other Uses

While candles in windows are most strongly associated with the winter holidays, they have additional uses for Pennsylvanians beyond that season. One notable non-holiday use is for memorial candles. These may be lit in remembrance of a deceased loved one, especially on the anniversary of their passing. The candle burns in their memory and serves as a reminder of their enduring spirit. Memorial candles in windows let the community know that someone is being honored and remembered. They can bring comfort to grieving families. This tradition connects back to the welcoming symbolism of holiday candles – memorial candles signal that the remembered person still has a place in the home. Their memory lives on and their spirit remains. The soft glow is a solemn tribute.

Modern Day

The tradition of putting candles in windows continues to be popular in Pennsylvania today. Though its origins trace back centuries, the practice persists across the state, especially around the winter holidays.

In December, it’s common to see candles glowing in the windows of homes and businesses. The flickering lights create a warm, welcoming atmosphere during the cold weather. They also signal that the occupants are taking part in an ages-old regional custom.

Beyond the holidays, candles remain in windows year-round in some Pennsylvania homes. For many, it’s a beloved tradition they learned from parents and grandparents. The candlelight maintains a sense of heritage and connection to the past.

While the original meanings may have shifted over time, the practice endures as part of Pennsylvania’s cultural identity. Seeing the candles in windows inspires a feeling of community and tradition that persists through the generations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the tradition of placing candles in windows holds deep cultural meaning for many Pennsylvanians. This practice dates back centuries and originally served practical purposes like guiding travelers or signaling safe places for religious worship. Over time, it evolved into a beloved holiday custom that continues today. Lighting candles in windows symbolizes welcoming guests, celebrating religious holidays, and expressing regional identity. While the specifics and significance may vary by family or location, the overall spirit remains one of warmth, community, and tradition.

Although lighting candles in windows is a simple act, it represents important cultural values. For Pennsylvanians, seeing the soft glow of candles in their neighbors’ homes reconnects them to generations past, bringing comfort, meaning, and community to the present day. This signature tradition promises to continue lighting up winters in Pennsylvania for years to come.