The Story of Christmas Candles

Christmas candle lighting around the globe.

In many cultures all across the world, Christmas candle lighting is a very popular custom. With the invention of electricity and Christmas tree lights, this popular Christmas candle tradition has decreased; however, the tradition of Christmas candle is not totally ended - it is still very much alive in many cultures.

In earlier times - long before the celebration of Christmas, candles were regarded as a symbol of Christ being the light of the world. In the medieval era there existed a legend, saying that on Christmas Eve the Christ Child, in search of places where he would be welcomed, wandered all around the world. Thus, all the people who loved Him and were hopeful that He will visit their homes placed the lighted candles in the window as a gesture to invite Him.

No one really knew for sure how He might appear. Perhaps the Christ child would come dressed in rags just like a beggar, or He might come as a poor and lonely child. People even expected that He would visit their homes in the form of a disabled person. He might be roaming the streets of the city or the lonely footpaths of the countryside.

Over a period of time, it thus became customary for pious Christians to welcome into their homes all the persons who knocked at their doors on the eve of Christmas. Since the Christ child came in unfamiliar attire and it was not possible to actually recognize Him, turning away any person may have meant the rejection of Christ Child.

During the Advent season, the Christ Child wanders along the streets, in hope to find homes where He would be given warmth and shelter. Candles placed in the windows of homes and churches represent that Christ is our guest and it is a welcome gesture. It indicates that here is a place where there is room in our hearts for the Christ child.

Candles have been around for many centuries. Even archaeological evidence proves that they were common in Ancient Egypt. Over time candles have been used for lighting, also for ceremonies, for their scents as well as for the purpose of decoration for different occasions.

Origin of the Christmas Candle

The first Christmas candle use was in Germany. In addition to the tradition of the Christmas tree originating here, Germany is the first country to place Christmas candles on the boughs of tree.

Advent

Advent is a season for celebrating birth of Christ.

Four Sundays prior to Christmas, the Advent season starts. An advent wreath consists of an evergreen wreath and 4 candles. The candles are lit during a family moment of prayer or before meal.

In the first week of Advent a single Christmas candle is lit. 2 candles are lit in the second week and in the third week, 3 are lit. In the fourth week all 4 candles are lit.

Other Christmas Candle Traditions

In Ireland, a Christmas candle represents hospitality relating to the welcoming of Joseph, Mary along with Baby Jesus. In Finland, there's a tradition of some families to place a candle on the grave of their loved ones during Christmas.

In Germany as well as France a Christmas candle (wax or electric) is placed in a window, or several Christmas candles embellish the Christmas tree.

Fun Fact: Candles were used for light before the availability of electricity. In Europe candle makers were known as chandlers. Chandeliers originated in Italy.

From a Christian's point of view, a Christmas candle signifies Jesus as being the light of the world. Victory of good over evil or light over darkness is also indicated by the Christmas candle.