Why do Christians put up Christmas lights and candles?
The custom goes back to when Christmas trees were decorated with candles, which symbolized Christ being the light of the world. The Christmas trees were brought by Christians into their homes in early modern Germany.
What does it mean when a house has a candle in every window?
Placing a burning candle in one’s window is a common tradition that dates back to colonial times. Candle light often evokes the warmth of home and family. The lit candle was also placed in the window as a sign of good news or as a beacon to weary travelers.
What does a lighted candle symbolize in Christianity?
In Christianity the candle is commonly used in worship both for decoration and ambiance, and as a symbol that represents the light of God or, specifically, the light of Christ. Candles are also carried in processions, especially to either side of the processional cross.
What does two candles in the window mean?
Government agencies will be illuminated to celebrate Finland’s 100th anniversary. The illumination of the Government Palace is the job of a man who does not want to retire, as he loves his work so much. The windowsills were cleared and work on the lights began a week before Independence Day. …
Why are there 7 candles at Christmas?
It holds seven candles. Contrary to popular belief the candle holder was always associated with Christmas. The light symbolizes the longing of the miners who didn’t see the daylight in winter for weeks sometimes due to their long working hours below the surface.
Why do we decorate our house on Christmas?
Using the green leaves of an evergreen tree to decorate homes during wintertime started as a Pagan tradition, designed as a symbol of life amid the dark, cold winter nights. The tradition dates back to the Roman times – with them doing so usually around their New Year celebrations.
Why do Amish put candles in windows?
Why Do Amish Put Candles in Windows? The Amish put candles in windows, too. This tradition is like that of the Irish. The Amish light the candles in their windows as part of their celebration and recognition of the Holy night of Christmas Eve when Jesus was born.
What is the symbolism of a candle?
Candles have always had a distinctive place in our society, and as such they represent an incredible link that taps into our past. In a quite unique way, candles radiate messages of romance, passion, security, warmth, hope, spirituality, mystery, to name just a few.
Did they use real candles on Christmas trees?
Candles were also originally used to decorate Christmas Trees, until safer electric lights were invented! In Southern India, Christians often put small oil burning clay lamps on the flat roofs of their homes to celebrate Christmas. Christians in China use paper lanterns to decorate their Christmas trees.
What do the Christmas candles represent?
Advent means “coming,” and during the season, Christians prepare for Jesus’ coming. The four Sundays preceding Christmas, which is when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, are recognized for four virtues. The candles on the Advent wreath symbolize hope, love, joy and peace.
What does a candle in the window mean?
This Christmas Eve, I thought we might explore this tradition a little further to discover it’s origins and meaning. A candle in the window is a wonderful symbol of hospitality, a trait for which the Irish are renowned the world over. But these Irish candles burning in the windows were not simply a beacon of hope for the Holy Family.
Why do Catholics put candles in their windows?
Priests went underground, traveling incognito to say Masses and tend to believers’ souls. Irish Catholics took to leaving a candle burning in the window and the door unlocked at Christmas as a sign it was safe for a priest to slip in under cover of darkness.
Why do they put candles in the windows in Ireland?
But these Irish candles burning in the windows were not simply a beacon of hope for the Holy Family. They were also a sign of welcome for anyone, friend or stranger, who might be passing by on Christmas Eve. Image Credit. All were welcome to stay and share whatever an Irish family may have had for Christmas.
Where did the tradition of lighting a candle at Christmas come from?
This tradition was most widely practiced in the south of Ireland, especially in Munster. Since my family hail from County Cork, we continued the ancient rural tradition of lighting a candle in the window at Christmas time. The candle was traditionally lit by a daughter called “Mary” or the youngest girl in the house.
