What does a candle in the window mean?
The priests would sneak back into town during the night to have mass with fellow believers in their homes. During Christmastime, Catholic families would leave their doors unlocked and a candle burning in the window to let the priest know he was welcome in their home.
What is the tradition of candles in windows?
Candles in windows have always been considered a sign of welcome to others. In early America, when homes were often miles apart, the sight of a distant candle in a window was a sign of “welcome” to those wishing to visit. Religious practices and persecution have a long and complicated history in Ireland.
Why do people light candles at Christmas?
Celebrating the Birth of Jesus A good number Christians observe this custom which is meant to be a day to commemorate the birth of Jesus. By lighting candles during Christmas eve, this represents the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Magi to the manger where baby Jesus was born.
Why do people put electric candles in their windows?
The candle can serve as a beacon so your loved ones will always find their way back home. Similarly, a candle in the window was also a sign for weary travellers looking for a place to stay that rooms for rent were available at that home.
Why do Pennsylvanians put candles in their windows?
PA Dutch don't do anything for no reason, and window candles are no different. They aren't just 'for pretty. ' Candles in the window signify an offer of sanctuary, a place to sleep and food in the morning.
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.
Why are candles placed in the windows of Irish homes on Christmas Eve?
Irish Catholic families hoped that at some time in their lifetime a priest might visit on Christmas Eve to celebrate Mass with them. By lighting a candle in the window they signaled to any passing priest that this was a Catholic home.
What does a candle symbolize?
The candle symbolizes light in the darkness of life especially individual life, illlumination; it is the symbol of holy illumination of the spirit of truth. Lit in times of death, they signify the light in the next world, and they represent Christ as the light. Purification and cleansing closely related.
Why do people put candles in their windows?
No matter where your family comes from or how they celebrate the holidays, the use of lights has become a tradition used by many to brighten up their home and make it feel festive for the holidays. Here in the United States, the tradition of lighting candles in the windows of homes during the Christmas holidays was brought by the Irish.
How Do We Honor the Tradition Today?
In modern times, the custom of the candle in the window may have lost its traditional meaning, but the practice lives on. The reasons might be different, but the candle in the window is still a simple and beautiful way to light up your home and make it festive for the holiday season. Festive candles will add an elegant touch to any window, from double hung windows to picture windows. You can even decorate your window shutters and entry door with eye-catching lights and festive wreaths to transform your home into a winter wonderland! No matter how you celebrate, be sure to enjoy this time of year and spread the holiday cheer through your home windows and out into the world.
What does a Christmas candle symbolize?
Christmas Candles. Holiday windows bright with candles symbolize different spiritual traditions for those of different faiths. Christians see the candle as the Star of Bethlehem, the light that guided the Magi to the stable where Jesus, the newborn savior, sheltered. A menorah in the window is a Jewish custom that symbolizes the miracle ...
Why do we put candles in front of windows?
There are as many reasons to put a candle in the front window of your house as there are front windows, but there is one common precaution everyone should observe: burn the light safely -- far from flammable materials, curious children and pets, and never leave it unmonitored. An electric candle, with a bulb to replace the flame, is a more prudent choice for the holidays or anytime.
Why do people burn candles in their windows?
The tradition of burning a candle in the window survives as a sign of welcome , even when those lighting the tiny beacons are unfamiliar with the history and symbolism of the practice. It is customary to place candles in the downstairs front windows, especially in traditional-style homes with symmetrical architecture. Large versions of electric candles may be placed in sidelights or just outside them on a porch during the holidays to draw attention to the front door in a brightly decorated yard. And porch lights -- pendants, lanterns and all-weather sconces -- are the modern equivalent of the candle in the window, lighting the way home and welcoming visitors with a ray of warmth.
What does a candle symbolize in colonial America?
A candle might send a message out into the night -- that a child had been born or a family had received a windfall or blessing. During celebrations, the candle expressed respect for public figures or special commemorations. Bed and breakfast hosts lit a candle in the window to light the way to their door and announce there were available beds. The general sense of welcome symbolized by the candle helped the practice to spread to inns and homes at any time of year.
What is the modern equivalent of a candle in a window?
And porch lights -- pendants, lanterns and all-weather sconces -- are the modern equivalent of the candle in the window, lighting the way home and welcoming visitors with a ray of warmth.
Why do Irish Catholics leave candles in the window?
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.
What was the role of the priest candle in Ireland?
Priest Candles. In Ireland, Christmas replaced the pagan solstice and Protestantism attempted to replace Catholicism. History depicts the brutal British repression of Irish Catholics that outlawed priests and any practice of the faith. Priests went underground, traveling incognito to say Masses and tend to believers' souls.
Why do people put candles in their windows?
Candles in windows have always been considered a sign of welcome to others. In early America, when homes were often miles apart, the sight of a distant candle in a window was a sign of “welcome” to those wishing to visit. Religious practices and persecution have a long and complicated history in Ireland.
What do candles show?
Candles also showed hope that Mary and other saints would pass by their home and bless it.
What does the candle welcome mean?
The candle’s welcome was part silent prayer for the safe return of an absent person, and part sign there is someone waiting and tending the fire. Other interpretations say the candle would be sending a message – a child had been born or a family had received a blessing of some nature.
Why do inns use candles?
Often the candles would be commemorating a community event or celebration. Inns (and now bed and breakfasts) used candles announcing rooms were available, and leading travelers to the door. The key being the sense of welcome.
How much did janitors get paid to light the candles?
The candles were lit from 5 to 10 PM between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Worried of fire, four janitors were paid $1.00 each to light the candles and guard against fires. Electric candles solved the concern with fire. Colonial Williamsburg visitors liked what they saw, and wanted candles to take back home.
What does a window with candles represent?
For Christians, a candle is lit to represent the Star of Bethlehem, guiding the Magi to the stable where Jesus was born. For those of Jewish faith, a menorah in the window is a Jewish custom symbolising the miracle of Chanukah (when a single jug of oil burnt for eight days). Today, a menorah in the window represents the determination of the Jewish people for not abandoning their own faith.
Why do we put candles in the window?
A lit candle was often placed in the window when a family member was away or who had died to remember them, letting them know they are missed. It was also seen as a silent prayer for the safe return of the absent person and a sign that someone remained at home tending the fire and waiting. This is a touching tradition that helps families remember loved ones during the busyness of Christmas.
Why do people light candles in their windows?
The significance of lighting a candle in a window differs per person, with people lighting candles for religious reasons, remembrance, family tradition or simply as a lovely festive decoration. So, let’s explore the different reasons why people light candles in their windows.
Why was the candle lit in the window?
A candle lit in the window might also have been sued to send a message out into the darkness that a child had been born or a family had received a blessing from someone. The candle symbolised celebration and gratefulness.
Why do Irish people light candles?
The tradition grew from the Irish whose faith was outlawed by British priests attempting to repress the Irish Catholics, preventing them from practising their faith. As a result, the priests went underground, travelling and worshipping in secret. Irish Catholics began lighting candles in their windows and leaving their doors unlocked at Christmas as a sign it was safe for a priest to visit under the cover of darkness.
Is it safe to burn a candle in the window?
It is important to keep your home safe during the Christmas season and there are many reasons to be cautious when placing a lit candle in your window. If you are using a real flame, be sure to burn it with caution away from flammable materials, out of reach of children and pets, and never leave it burning unattended. Thankfully, because we live in the 21 st century, we have access to electric candles which a bulb in replace of a flame. Electric candles are a safe alternative to a naked flame and will keep your tradition safe.
What is the metaphor of the candle?
So, the candle is the metaphor to the spiritual enlightenment that destroys the bodily instincts. When one lives to the spirit, the bodily pleasures and demands become unimportant because they are perishable, temporal, finite. The fire, on the other hand, is eternal.
Why do we allow beautiful candles to be burned away?
The purpose is only reached when extinction is caused by the fire of the spiritual enlightenment.
What is the meaning of C andles?
C andles have been a symbol of enlightenment for many centuries. They appear in rituals of every culture, and are present in temples of different religions around the altars. Christmas candles light up our homes and places of worship throughout the holidays.
Why do Irish Catholics put candles in their windows?
So it was, the legend goes, that Irish Catholics started placing candles in their windows to signal to priests it was a safe space to come and say Mass.
Why do Irish Catholics like Christmas candles?
Moloney said Irish Catholics like the Christmas candle story so much because it symbolizes their passive resistance.
Why were candles placed in Colonial Williamsburg?
So the doors and windows of the Governor’s Palace and Raleigh Tavern buildings were decorated with greenery and candles. Guards were stationed to ward against fires.
What were the doors and windows of the Governor's Palace and Raleigh Tavern decorated with?
So the doors and windows of the Governor’s Palace and Raleigh Tavern buildings were decorated with greenery and candles. Guards were stationed to ward against fires. The practice became a hit, said Colonial Williamsburg staff historian Cathy Hellier.
Where did Christmas start in Virginia?
Turns out, in proper folkloric fashion, there are at least two prominent origin stories. And one begins right here in southeastern Virginia. Colonial Williamsburg held its first organized Christmas celebration in 1936, when the site still mainly comprised a handful of restored buildings.
Did Christmas make for much of a celebration in Colonial America?
Advertisement. There was just one small problem: Christmas didn’t make for much of a celebration in Colonial America. Many residents of that era followed Anglican religious practices, such as fasting during Advent and attending church services, but there weren’t major festive activities or ornamentation.
