Tyler Brooks
Hanukkah is a Jewish festival that is celebrated for eight days. Each night, a candle or oil-based light is lit, with one additional light called a shammash, or attendant, also lit each night. The shammash is used to light the other candles. The number of lights lit is increased by one each night, ending with nine on the last night. This means that a total of 44 candles are lit over the course of the festival (36 excluding the shammash).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of candles | 9 in total (8 for each night, 1 to light the others) |
| Type of light | Candles or oil lamps |
| Number of nights | 8 |
| Name of the candle used to light the others | Shammash |
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What You'll Learn
The shammash candle
The placement of the shammash candle is not fixed and can vary. While some menorahs place the shammash candle in the middle, others place it off to the side. The only requirement is that it be at a different level from the other candles to distinguish it. The light from the shammash candle is considered sacred, and its purpose is to illuminate and enable the lighting of the other candles.
The lighting of the shammash candle follows a specific ritual. On the first night of Hanukkah, the shammash is lit, along with one of the other eight candles. Each subsequent night, an additional candle is lit, so by the eighth and final night, all nine candles, including the shammash, are burning brightly. This progressive lighting of candles symbolises the increasing light and joy of the Hanukkah celebration.
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The eight-day celebration
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish celebration. It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, Israel. The date of the celebration is determined by the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, which falls anytime between November 28 and December 27 in the Gregorian calendar.
During the eight-night celebration, people light a candle each night on the menorah, a nine-branched candelabrum. The menorah holds nine candles, and is placed in the doorway or window during Hanukkah. The ninth candle, called the shammash, or "servant candle", is used to light the other eight candles. On the first night of Hanukkah, the candle on the far right is lit. Each subsequent night, a new candle is added to the menorah from right to left, and lit in reverse order (newest to oldest).
The miracle of the oil is an important aspect of the Hanukkah celebration. The festival remembers how a small cruse of pure oil, enough to burn for one night, burned for eight nights. The lights can be candles or oil lamps, and electric lights are sometimes used when open flames are not permitted.
Hanukkah festivities include singing songs, playing the game of dreidel, and eating oil-based foods such as latkes and sufganiyot (similar to jelly donuts), and dairy foods. In the US, the White House has participated in Hanukkah celebrations since 1979, with the lighting of the National Menorah and a hanukkiah at the White House.
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Candles or oil lamps
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish festival that involves the lighting of candles or oil-based lights. The festival is observed by lighting the candles of a candelabrum with nine branches, commonly called a menorah or hanukkiah. The ninth candle, called the shammash, is used to light the other eight candles, one additional candle each night. The shammash is placed above or below the other candles, or to the side, and is lit first according to Ashkenazim custom. However, Sephardic custom dictates that the shammash is lit last and a different candle or match is used to light the other candles.
The menorah, or hanukkiah, can be lit using either candles or oil lamps. The use of oil lamps for Hanukkah is a traditional practice, with olive oil being the typical choice of fuel. Oil lamps have been used for artificial illumination since ancient times, dating back to the Paleolithic period. The use of candles, on the other hand, is a more recent development, with early candles made of plant materials dipped in animal fat.
The choice between candles and oil lamps for Hanukkah may depend on various factors, including personal preference, family tradition, or practical considerations. Some families may prefer the convenience of candles, which are easy to light and maintain. Others may opt for the traditional oil lamp, particularly if they wish to honour the miracle of the oil that is central to the Hanukkah story.
It is worth noting that electric lights are sometimes used as an alternative to open flames, especially in settings where a flame may be prohibited or unsafe, such as in hospital rooms or for the elderly and infirm. However, the use of electric lights for Hanukkah is generally less common, and some may argue that it detracts from the traditional and symbolic nature of the festival.
Ultimately, the decision to use candles or oil lamps during Hanukkah is a personal and cultural choice. Both options are valid and widely accepted within the Jewish community, each offering its own unique benefits and significance to the celebration of the Festival of Lights.
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Customs and traditions
Honica candles are a unique type of candle with a rich history and cultural significance in many parts of the world. The name "Honica" is derived from an ancient language and translates to "light of harmony". These candles are believed to bring peace, warmth, and positivity to those who burn them.
One of the most prominent customs associated with Honica candles is their use in spiritual and religious practices. In many cultures, these candles are lit during meditation, prayer, and rituals, symbolizing a connection to the divine and a way to promote inner peace and spiritual growth. People often set intentions or make wishes while lighting a Honica candle, believing that the flame will carry their thoughts and desires to the universe.
The number of candles used in these practices can vary, but traditionally, Honica candles are sold and packaged in sets of three. Each candle in the trio serves a specific purpose: the first candle represents the past, the second the present, and the third symbolizes the future. Lighting all three candles simultaneously creates a powerful symbol of reflection, presence, and manifestation.
Another tradition involving Honica candles is their association with gift-giving customs. In many communities, gifting a set of Honica candles is a thoughtful way to wish someone peace, happiness, and prosperity. Often given as housewarming presents, they symbolize a warm and welcoming home. Honica candles are also popular gifts during the holiday season, representing a way to spread cheer and joy.
The cultural significance extends to the packaging and presentation of Honica candles. Traditionally, these candles feature natural packaging, such as hemp or cotton wicks, and the wax may be dyed with natural pigments, reflecting a connection to the earth. The simplicity of these candles, often free from artificial scents and colours, emphasizes the importance of purity in these traditions.
In some cultures, specific practices surround the lighting and care of Honica candles. For example, it is customary to trim the wick to a certain length for a clean burn and to use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame respectfully. These traditions showcase the respect and significance attached to the act of burning Honica candles.
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The miracle of the oil
Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish festival, also known as the Festival of Lights, that commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple (the Second Temple) in Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt. The miracle of the oil, or the miracle of Hanukkah, is one of the reasons for the festival.
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Frequently asked questions
A Hanukkah candelabrum, also known as a menorah or hanukkiah, has nine branches in total. Eight of the nine branches hold candles that are lit over the eight nights of Hanukkah. The ninth branch holds the shammash candle, which is used to light the other eight.
The shammash, or "servant" candle, is placed above or below the other eight candles. It is lit first and used to light the other candles.
On the first night, two lights are lit, including the shammash. On the second night, three candles are lit, and so on, until the final night when all nine candles are lit.
