Brooke Martin
The use of candles and candleholders has a long history in religious practices and symbolism. The number seven, in particular, holds significance in several traditions, from the seven-lamp candelabra of Christianity to the kinara, a seven-candle holder used in Kwanzaa celebrations. In Taoism, the Seven-Star Lamp represents the seven stars of the Northern Dipper, and in the Jewish faith, the seven-branched menorah holds deep religious and cultural importance. The meaning of the number seven varies, from completeness and perfection to representing specific concepts like the seven churches, sacraments, virtues, or gifts of the Holy Spirit. The use of candles and the number seven are intertwined in many rituals and ceremonies, creating a sense of spiritual illumination and connection to the divine.
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What You'll Learn
The seven-branch candelabrum in Christianity
In Christianity, the seven-branched candelabrum, or menorah, holds significant symbolic value. In the Book of Revelation, the apostle John describes a vision of Jesus Christ standing amidst seven golden lampstands, also referred to as candlesticks. This imagery signifies the presence of Christ among His people, with Jesus himself being the light of the world.
The seven lampstands, as explained by Jesus in John's vision, represent the seven churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, which were actual congregations in seven cities of western Asia Minor. These churches were addressed directly in Revelation, with tailored messages reflecting their spiritual conditions. The number seven symbolizes completeness or wholeness, suggesting that these churches collectively represent the universal church throughout history.
The lampstands being made of gold further adds to their symbolic meaning. Gold is the most precious and valuable metal, signifying the preciousness of the church as God's most valued possession. Additionally, gold symbolizes purity and holiness, reflecting God's holiness, which the church is called to exemplify.
The seven-branched candelabrum also finds its roots in the Old Testament. In Exodus, God instructs Moses to create a lampstand with seven branches for the Holy Place, which later became known as the Jewish menorah. This menorah was to be placed in the Tabernacle, the dwelling place of God's presence, symbolizing the importance of light in the presence of God.
The seven branches of the candelabrum represent the seven churches, with Christ at the center as the light of the world. This imagery underscores the church's mission to be a beacon of light and hope, reflecting the purity and holiness of God into the world.
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The kinara in Kwanzaa
The kinara is a seven-branched candle holder used in Kwanzaa celebrations in the United States. The word "kinara" is a Swahili word that means "candle holder". It is placed on a table covered with an African cloth.
The kinara holds seven candles, which are lit according to the seven principles (or Nguzo Saba) of Kwanzaa. The seven candles represent the seven core principles of Kawaida philosophy. The candles are lit according to the numbering of the principles: Umoja (1); Kujichagulia (2); Ujima (3); Ujamaa (4); Nia (5); Kuumba (6); and Imani (7). Each day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to the contemplation of one of these principles.
The colours of the candles are also symbolic. The candles comprise three red, three green, and one black candle in the centre. The black candle is lit first, to stress the priority of the people. The red candle is lit next to show the importance of struggle. The green candle represents the good future that is forged in righteous and relentless struggle.
The founder of Kwanzaa, Maulana Karenga, gave Black Americans a sense of pride in their African roots and created an alternative celebration to Christmas. Kwanzaa derives from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza", meaning "first fruits".
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The Seven-Star Lamp in Taoism
In Taoism, the Seven-Star Lamp, or qi xing deng (七星燈), is a seven-lamp oil lamp that is lit to represent the seven stars of the Northern Dipper. This lamp is a requirement for all Taoist temples and must never be extinguished. The lighting of the lamp is believed to absolve sins and prolong one's lifespan. The seven lamps also represent the illumination of the seven stars.
The Seven-Star Lamp is not the only lamp used in Taoist practices. For example, during the first nine days of the lunar 9th-month festival, an oil lamp of nine connected lamps may be lit to honour the Northern Dipper and two other assistant stars, collectively known as the Nine Emperor Stars. These stars are the sons of Dou Mu, appointed by the Taoist Trinity (the Three Pure Ones) to hold the Books of Life and Death of humanity.
Candles and lamps are important in Taoist practices and can represent an aspect of the divine. They can invoke the light of wisdom (the Tao itself) and serve as a focal point for meditation. In the language of Inner Alchemy, the two tall candles on either side of the Sacred Lamp represent the "Green Dragon and White Tiger copulating in the Yellow Hall". They also represent the moon/Yin and sun/Yang, original nature (Yuan Qi) and life (Hou Tian Qi), and the two eyes.
Homemade oil candles are often used in Taoist practices as an alternative to paraffin wax and petroleum-based candles, which release noxious fumes when burned. These candles are made with non-toxic cooking oils, such as olive or canola oil, and are placed in heatproof containers with wicks and wire stands.
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The menorah in Byzantine Rite
The Byzantine Rite, also known as the Greek Rite or the Rite of Constantinople, is a liturgical rite identified with a wide range of cultural, devotional, and canonical practices that developed in the Eastern Christian church of Constantinople. The use of the menorah has been preserved in the Byzantine Rite, with the menorah always standing on or behind the altar in the sanctuary.
The menorah is a seven-branched candelabrum described in the Hebrew Bible and ancient sources as having been used in the Tabernacle and the Temple in Jerusalem. It has long served as a symbol representing Jews and Judaism in the Land of Israel and the Jewish diaspora. The seven lamps of the menorah symbolize the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. In the Byzantine Rite, the traditional practice is to use olive oil in the seven-lamp lampstand, though candles may also be used. During services, all seven lamps are usually lit, though sometimes only the three centermost are lit for lesser services. If the church does not have a sanctuary lamp, the centermost lamp of the menorah may remain lit as an eternal flame.
The menorah was also a distinctive symbol of Samaritan identity during the Byzantine and Islamic periods. Repurposed stone menorah reliefs, some with accompanying plant decorations, have been found in several villages of ancient Samaria. Additionally, synagogues often display either a menorah or an artistic representation of one, with a continually lit lamp or light in front of the Torah ark, representing the continually lit ner Elohim of the menorah used in Temple times.
The use of the menorah in Byzantine art and architecture is also notable. For example, a stone artifact featuring a menorah design was discovered in a Byzantine village in the Jerusalem foothills. This discovery has sparked debate among archaeologists due to the absence of evidence suggesting a synagogue at the site, raising questions about the original purpose and context of the menorah design.
Furthermore, during the Early Middle Ages, Byzantine liturgical practices were employed in some regions of Byzantine Italy, particularly in the south. These regions were later returned to papal authority, creating a base for the inclusion of local Byzantine-Rite communities into the Catholic Church.
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The menorah in the Hebrew Bible
The menorah is a seven-branched candelabrum that is described in the Hebrew Bible and later ancient sources as having been used in the Tabernacle and the Temple in Jerusalem. The menorah is first mentioned in the biblical book of Exodus (25:31–40), where it is described as having been designed by God and revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai. The candlestick was to be forged out of a single piece of gold and was to have six branches, "three out of one side, and three out of the other" (Exodus 25:31). The central shaft, which is somewhat elevated to signify the Sabbath, was flanked by three lights on each side. The cups of the menorah were shaped like flower blossoms, which some interpret as symbolising the tree of life.
The menorah was placed in the Tabernacle, which was a tent that housed the Ark of the Covenant. The Tabernacle travelled with the Israelites and was assumed to be present when the tabernacle tent was pitched in Shiloh. However, there is no mention of it during the years that the Ark of the Covenant was moved by Samuel and Saul. The menorah was later placed in the Temple of Solomon, which, according to the book of Kings, had 10 golden candelabras, 5 on each side of the entrance to the inner sanctuary. The Second Temple, built after the Jews returned from exile in Babylon, contained one menorah that was seized in 169 BCE by Antiochus IV Epiphanes.
The menorah is a significant symbol in Jewish tradition, with its seven candles representing a myriad of historical, religious, and spiritual concepts. The number seven in Jewish tradition is considered sacred, representing divine perfection and completeness. Each of the seven candles on the menorah holds a unique symbolic value. They represent the seven days of creation, with the central candle, known as the 'Shamash' or 'servant' candle, symbolising the Sabbath, the day of rest.
The menorah and other items in the Tabernacle are seen as foreshadowing the coming of the Messiah. For example, the almond blossoms on the menorah are mentioned elsewhere in the Bible as a symbol of God's determination to carry out his plans. The menorah also became a popular symbol of Judaism after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. Representations of the menorah decorated tombs, synagogue walls and floors, and other archaeological artefacts.
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Frequently asked questions
The Kinara is a candleholder associated with Kwanzaa, an African American festival. One candle is lit on each day of the week-long celebration.
The Menorah is an ancient seven-lamp lampstand that burned olive oil. It is associated with Jewish tradition and is placed in the sanctuary of a church or temple.
The Seven Branch Candelabrum is a Christian symbol representing the seven churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation. It symbolizes the presence of divine light and the Holy Spirit.
