Why Do People Put Candles In Their Windows Around Christmas?

Around the world, people celebrate holidays and special occasions in a myriad of ways. Food, songs, decorations, gathering with family—traditions touch every part of our lives. Christmas is no exception, and each family and community has their own cherished customs that make the holiday season unique. One beloved Christmas tradition that captures the imagination is the simple act of placing a lit candle in the window. What is the story behind this practice, and why has it persisted for so many years across different cultures? In this article, we will delve into the origins, meanings, and contemporary celebrations of this evocative wintertime tradition.

The History and Origins of Christmas Candles in Windows

The tradition of placing lit candles in windows during the Christmas season is an ancient one, dating back centuries. Though the exact origin is unknown, some historians believe the practice has its roots in pre-Christian winter solstice celebrations such as Yule and Saturnalia.

During the darkest days of winter, ancient peoples would light fires and candles to symbolize warmth, light and hope for the coming spring. When Christianity began to spread throughout Europe in the Middle Ages, these older pagan traditions were gradually incorporated into Christmas celebrations.

Placing candles in windows specifically is thought to have emerged in Ireland, where small oil-burning lamps were put in windows to welcome weary Christmas Eve travelers. The candles served as humble lighting guides through dark forests and roads, indicating a place of refuge and hospitality.

Over time, the custom spread throughout the British Isles and Continental Europe. It became especially popular in Germany, Scandinavia and Eastern European countries like Poland and Ukraine. Local traditions and folklore evolved around the practice, making it a beloved Christmas mainstay.

Religious Significance

The tradition of placing candles in windows around Christmas time has deep roots in Christian beliefs and biblical references. The candlelight symbolizes Jesus Christ as the light of the world, guiding people through darkness and uncertainty. There are several biblical passages that inspire this meaning:

In the Gospel of John, Jesus says “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12). This biblical reference connects Jesus with the concept of light and illumination.

Matthew 5:14-16 also states “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” This passage encourages Christians to shine their light and set a positive example.

Overall, the candlelight shining in windows represents Jesus as the light of the world and light overcoming darkness. It ties to guiding and illuminating one’s path in life. For Christians, it symbolizes their faith and desire to shine God’s light during the Advent and Christmas season.

Welcoming and Hospitality

One of the most common reasons for putting candles in windows around Christmas is to welcome and extend hospitality. The warm glow of the candles sends a message of cheer and goodwill, inviting carolers, visitors, and even Santa himself to stop by.

Families often place lit candles in their front windows on Christmas Eve to guide carolers and let them know they are welcome to stop and sing. The candles provide a bright and cheerful beacon, signaling that the home is open and happy to embrace the holiday spirit. Carolers going door-to-door appreciate seeing the candles, as it shows them where they are likely to be greeted with smiles and holiday joy.

The flickering candlelight also serves as a warm invitation for friends, family, and neighbors to visit throughout the Christmas season. The softly glowing windows let passersby know they are welcome to stop in for some holiday cheer. Whether it’s joining in Christmas carols, sharing stories and treats by the fire, or simply extending holiday greetings, the candles represent a home open to community and connection.

Perhaps most magically, candles in the window guide Santa Claus on Christmas Eve as he travels the world delivering gifts. Children delight in the idea that the light from their window will shine bright to make sure Santa and his reindeer can find their home. Leaving candles burning in the window has become a beloved tradition, with families taking care to keep the flames glowing to light Santa’s way.

Hope and Remembrance

For many, the warm glow of a candle in the window represents hope and remembrance. During the darkest days of winter, these small beacons provide light and hope for better times ahead. The candles also allow us to reflect on memories of loved ones no longer with us and honor their spirits during the holiday season.

In many cultures, candles are lit in remembrance of those who have passed away. The flames allow us to feel connected to deceased loved ones by symbolizing their spirits or souls. Placing a candle in the window can provide comfort and solace for those missing someone at Christmas time.

The tradition also reminds us to think of those less fortunate. The candles shine a light on the needs of others, inspiring us to give back through charitable acts and donations. They are a reminder to open our hearts and care for people facing hardship, loneliness or suffering during the holidays.

Safety and Navigation

Throughout history, candles in windows have served as beacons to help travelers find their way through the darkness. Before modern roads and streetlights, a lit candle in a window could help guide people home or to a place of shelter and hospitality.

In medieval times, Christians would place candles in their windows on Christmas Eve to symbolize their home was a sanctuary for those seeking refuge. The warm glow was a sign of hope for weary travelers navigating through the cold winter night.

Even today, candles can help drivers and pedestrians navigate around neighborhoods during the holiday season. The welcoming lights lets people know where walkways and driveways are located. This continues the tradition of candles as illuminating guides.

Bringing Neighborhoods Together

The tradition of candles in windows during the holidays has long served as a unifier within neighborhoods and communities. As evening falls and candles begin flickering in windows up and down the streets, a sense of shared nostalgia sweeping over an area. For many, seeing which of their neighbors are taking part in this beloved tradition has become a much-anticipated part of the holiday season.

There’s a certain magic that comes from knowing people all around are engaging in the same symbolic act of lighting their windows. It sparks a feeling of togetherness and connection, even among relative strangers living on the same block. Unlike many holiday decorations that are appreciated in the daytime, the candles in the window invite people to take peaceful evening strolls and admire them.

The candles provide an opportunity for bonding between generations. Many enjoy explaining the meaning behind the tradition to children and newcomers. For those who grew up with candlelit windows each December, the lights evoke a deep nostalgia and remind them of cherished memories. Seeing the custom carried on creates a heartwarming sense of continuity and community.

As an understated yet meaningful tradition, the candlelit windows allow neighborhoods to feel united in a simple, shared act. The glow serves as a subtle yet powerful invitation to reflect on the true spirit of the season.

Contemporary Traditions

While the traditional religious and cultural meanings of candle lighting around Christmas remain, new modern rituals and meanings have also emerged. Candle lighting today is often used as a sign of activism or remembrance.

One example is candlelight vigils, in which activists and community members come together holding candles in a show of solidarity. These are often held to raise awareness for social justice causes or to memorialize lives lost to tragedy or violence. Major candlelight vigils are now a common response to mass shootings, police brutality incidents, and other events prompting public mourning or outrage.

Environmentalist groups also use candle lighting around Christmas to call attention to climate change and sustainability issues. The Flame of Peace campaign by the international activism network Avaaz is one such example, using the symbolism of holiday candles to promote climate action.

So while traditionally placing candles in windows carried meanings of holiday spirit and welcoming, today it can also signify much wider community connections and civic engagement.

How To Take Part

If you’d like to join in this cozy tradition, here are some tips for placing candles in your windows and different ways to observe it:

• Use battery-operated candles or flameless LED candles rather than traditional candles to eliminate any fire hazards.
• Place the candles in south and west facing windows to maximize visibility from the street.
• Arrange candles of varying heights for an appealing display.
• Add seasonal decorations like pinecones, holly, ribbon or pine branches around the candles.
• Pair the candles with a wreath on your door for a coordinated look.

In addition to lighting candles, you can participate by:

• Inviting neighbors over to enjoy warm drinks and cookies by candlelight.
• Strolling around the neighborhood after dark to admire the glow in people’s windows.
• Snapping photos of especially creative or elaborate candle displays and sharing on social media.
• Making it an annual tradition by lighting the candles each year on the same date.

Candle lighting brings warmth and connection to neighborhoods. Add your own unique touch and take part in this beloved tradition.

Conclusion

Placing candles in windows during the Christmas season is a beloved tradition around the world that brings light, joy, and connection to neighborhoods and communities. As we’ve explored, this custom has origins dating back centuries and many layers of symbolism and meaning. The soft glow of candlelight represents faith, hope, hospitality, and remembrance.

For Christians, the candles evoke images from the nativity story and are a reminder to welcome strangers just as Mary and Joseph were welcomed. They also honor loved ones who have passed and the promise of Christ’s return. Beyond religious significance, the candles are a simple yet powerful way to brighten dark winter nights, guide visitors, and unite communities in the spirit of the season.

Whether enjoyed as a spiritual practice, decorative element, or nostalgic tradition, candlelit windows create beautiful scenes that many look forward to year after year. As we reflect on this enduring custom, may the symbolism and sentiment behind these lights continue spreading warmth and wonder for generations to come.