Maddie James
The Peace Candle in Easton, Pennsylvania, is a large non-wax candle that has been a fixture of the city's Centre Square during the Christmas season since 1951. Standing at 106 feet tall, the candle is assembled by placing box pieces made of marine-grade plywood and galvanized steel around the Soldiers' & Sailors' Monument, a Civil War memorial. The Peace Candle is typically displayed from mid-November to mid-January, but there have been instances where it was kept up longer, such as during the Gulf War in 1991. The lighting of the Peace Candle has become an annual tradition and festival in Easton, with the candle serving as a symbol of peace for all religions and denominations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Height | 118-foot (36 m) above ground level |
| Height of flame | 15-foot (4.6 m) |
| Number of bulbs illuminating the flame | 31 |
| Weight | 8-10 tons |
| Height of main candle | 94-foot (29 m) |
| Height with base | 106-foot (32 m) |
| Time of display | Mid-November to mid-January |
| Time of first erection | 1951 |
| Time of current candle erection | 1990 |
| Expected time of next candle erection | 2014 |
| Time of lighting ceremony in 2023 | November 25, 6:30 p.m. |
| Time of lighting ceremony in 1951 | December 10 |
| Time of display during the Gulf War | Until February 28, 1991 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- The Peace Candle is typically displayed from mid-November to mid-January
- It was first erected in 1951
- The candle has undergone several changes over the last 68 years
- It is believed to be the largest non-wax Christmas candle in the US
- The candle lighting ceremony has become a festival with carriage rides, ice sculptors and gingerbread house contests
The Peace Candle is typically displayed from mid-November to mid-January
The Peace Candle in Easton, Pennsylvania, is typically displayed from mid-November to mid-January. It has been a tradition in the city since 1951 when it was first erected as a Christmas Candle. Standing at 106 feet tall, it is believed to be the largest non-wax Christmas candle in the United States.
The Peace Candle is more than just a holiday decoration; it holds symbolic significance for the community. Conceived as a symbol of peace for all religions and denominations, the candle has been a site for anti-war protests over the decades. The candle's placement over the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, a Civil War memorial, adds to its symbolism.
The lighting of the Peace Candle has become an annual festival in Easton, accompanied by carriage rides, ice sculptors, gingerbread house contests, and a visit from Santa Claus. The event marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season in Downtown Easton.
Over the years, the Peace Candle has undergone several upgrades and changes. The current candle was built in 1990, with a steel frame, a white body, and off-white drippings. The candle is illuminated with 31 bulbs, creating a brilliant display that can be seen from afar.
The Peace Candle in Easton has become an iconic part of the city's holiday celebrations, bringing people together and spreading a message of peace and unity. Its presence from mid-November to mid-January adds a unique charm to the holiday season in Easton.
Easy Candle Removal: Tricks to Avoid Sticking
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It was first erected in 1951
The Peace Candle in Easton was first erected in 1951. It was originally called the Christmas Candle and stood at 75 feet tall. It was made of red plywood and topped with neon yellow lights. The candle was conceived as a symbol of peace for all religions and denominations and was dedicated by Easton Mayor Joseph Morrison during an interdenominational program honouring those serving in the armed forces. The dedication ceremony was attended by a Catholic priest, a Jewish rabbi, and a Protestant minister, with between 500 and 1,000 people in attendance.
The Peace Candle has undergone several changes and variations since it was first erected. In the 1960s, the candle was not displayed for several years due to deterioration of the plywood structure caused by harsh winters. Residents requested that the candle be repaired and brought back in 1966, and it lasted for two more seasons. However, by 1968, it was clear that a more durable frame was needed. A new fiberglass frame was installed, and the Peace Candle underwent a significant overhaul in 1990, making it taller and changing its design to a white candle with blue wax drippings. This incarnation of the candle is believed to be the largest non-wax candle in the United States.
The Peace Candle has been the subject of petitions and debates over the years. In 1972, a petition was submitted to the Easton City Council to officially name the candle the Peace Candle and to have it remain standing until the Vietnam War was over. While the candle was renamed, the request to keep it up until the end of the war was denied. However, a similar petition was granted in 1990 during the First Gulf War, and the candle remained in place until February 28, 1991.
The Peace Candle has become a beloved tradition in Easton and is typically displayed from mid-November to mid-January. It has undergone upgrades and repairs over the years to keep it in good condition, and it continues to serve as a symbol of peace and unity for the community.
Invoking Angels: Bless a Candle, Bring Divine Light
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The candle has undergone several changes over the last 68 years
The Peace Candle in Easton has a rich history dating back to 1951 when it was first erected as a symbol of peace for all religions and denominations. Over the last 68 years, the candle has undergone several changes and variations, reflecting the community's dedication to maintaining this unique tradition.
One of the earliest challenges faced was the durability of the structure. In the 1960s, harsh winters deteriorated the plywood frame, and the candle was placed in storage for several years. However, the residents' perseverance led to its repair and return in 1966. Recognizing the need for a more durable solution, a new fiberglass frame was introduced in 1968, ensuring the candle's longevity.
The candle has also seen variations in its design and appearance over the years. In 1990, the Peace Candle underwent a significant overhaul, making it taller and transforming it into a white candle with blue wax drippings. This incarnation of the candle is believed to be the largest non-wax candle in the United States. The candle received another upgrade in 2012, with a $25,000 investment into its steel frame, giving it a new look featuring a white body, off-white drippings, and red lights in the evergreens.
The Peace Candle has played a role in significant historical moments, such as during the Vietnam War and the First Gulf War. In 1972, a petition was submitted to keep the candle lit until the Vietnam War ended, although this request was denied. However, in 1990, a similar petition was granted, and the candle remained standing until February 28, 1991, after the conclusion of the First Gulf War.
The annual lighting ceremony of the Peace Candle has evolved into a beloved festival for the community, featuring carriage rides, ice sculptors, gingerbread house contests, and a visit from Santa. The tradition continues to be maintained and celebrated by the people of Easton, with city maintenance workers repairing and repainting the candle each year. The Peace Candle stands as a testament to the community's unity and commitment to peace, adapting and enduring through the years to remain a cherished tradition.
Candles and Tick Marks: What Sets Them Apart?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It is believed to be the largest non-wax Christmas candle in the US
The Peace Candle in Easton, also known as the Christmas Candle, is believed to be the largest non-wax Christmas candle in the United States. It has been a symbol of peace and unity for all religions and denominations since it was first erected in 1951. Standing at 106 feet tall, including its base, the candle is assembled with several box pieces made from marine-grade plywood and galvanized steel, bolted together with approximately 500 bolts. The central main candle stands at 94 feet tall, and the entire structure weighs between eight and ten tons. The candle is illuminated with 31 bulbs, creating a 15-foot-high flame.
The Peace Candle is typically displayed annually from mid-November to mid-January in Centre Square, the town square of Easton's Downtown neighbourhood. The lighting of the candle has become a highly anticipated festival, accompanied by carriage rides, ice sculptors, gingerbread house contests, and a visit from Santa Claus. The event also marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season in Downtown Easton.
The history of the Peace Candle reflects the community's dedication to maintaining this symbol of peace. In the 1960s, harsh winters damaged the original plywood structure, and residents worked to repair and restore the candle in 1966. However, by 1968, it was clear that a more durable solution was needed. This led to the adoption of a new fibreglass frame in 1990, which also made the candle taller.
The Peace Candle has undergone several upgrades over the years to keep it shining brightly. In 2012, a $25,000 upgrade was made to the steel frame, and the candle's appearance was refreshed with a white body and off-white drippings, complemented by red lights in the surrounding evergreens. The candle continues to be a source of community pride and a unique attraction in Easton, with annual traditions like the lighting ceremony and the sale of Peace Candle shares to fund repairs.
Candle Power: Lumens Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The candle lighting ceremony has become a festival with carriage rides, ice sculptors and gingerbread house contests
The Peace Candle in Easton, Pennsylvania, has become a beloved tradition since it was first erected in 1951. The lighting ceremony has now become a full-fledged festival with various attractions, including carriage rides, ice sculptors, and gingerbread house contests. The festival also features a visit from Santa Claus, adding to the festive cheer. The Peace Candle Lighting Festival is organised by the Easton Main Street Initiative, the Greater Easton Development Partnership, and dedicated volunteers, who come together to kickstart the holiday season in Downtown Easton.
The Peace Candle stands tall at 106 feet and is usually displayed from mid-November to mid-January. However, there have been exceptions, such as in 1991, when it remained until February 28 during the Gulf War. The candle lighting ceremony is a highly anticipated event, with city maintenance workers preparing the candle each year through repairs and repainting. The right to light the Peace Candle is sold to the highest bidder, with the funds contributing to the candle's maintenance and the holiday festivities.
The festival attracts people from all over, and the Peace Candle holds a special significance for the community. The candle is more than just a holiday decoration; it symbolises peace and unity for all religions and denominations. The original dedication ceremony in 1951 included a Catholic priest, a Jewish rabbi, and a Protestant minister, emphasising the inclusive nature of the symbol. Over the decades, the Peace Candle has been the site of anti-war protests and a reminder of the call for peace.
The Peace Candle is constructed from marine-grade plywood and galvanised steel, with a towering height of 118 feet when including the monument it rests upon. The flame is illuminated by 31 bulbs, creating a dazzling display. The main candle is surrounded by four smaller candles, each standing at 15 feet, and the entire structure weighs between eight and ten tons. The Peace Candle is a source of pride for Easton, and the festival celebrates this unique tradition while bringing the community together in a joyous celebration of peace and unity.
The festival has become an integral part of Easton's holiday season, and the Peace Candle Lighting Festival is now a beloved tradition in its own right. The combination of festive attractions, community spirit, and the symbolic lighting of the Peace Candle creates a magical atmosphere that resonates with locals and visitors alike. As the years go by, the festival continues to evolve, ensuring that the Peace Candle remains a shining beacon of peace and a cherished part of Easton's holiday traditions.
Tyler Candle Company: Where is it Located?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The Peace Candle in Easton usually stays up from mid-November to mid-January. However, it has stayed up longer in the past.
Yes, in 1991, the candle was maintained until February 28 during the Gulf War.
In 1990, there was a petition to keep the Peace Candle up until the end of the First Gulf War, which was granted.
No, there were a few years in the 1960s when the candle wasn't built due to harsh winters.
The Peace Candle is made from marine-grade plywood and galvanized steel.
