Tyler Brooks
The use of candles during Christmas has been a tradition for centuries. One of the earliest records of candles being used during Christmas is from the Middle Ages, where a large candle was used to represent the star of Bethlehem. Today, candles are placed in windows all over the world during Christmas. The tradition of placing candles in windows is believed to have originated from the Irish, whose faith was outlawed by British priests attempting to repress Irish Catholics, preventing them from practising their faith. As a result, Irish Catholics began lighting candles in their windows and leaving their doors unlocked at Christmas as a sign that it was safe for priests to visit under the cover of darkness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Earliest record of use | Middle Ages |
| Purpose | To represent the star of Bethlehem |
| Religious significance | Jesus is called 'the Light of the World' by Christians |
| Advent wreath | Circular, made of evergreen leaves, symbolising God's infinite love and the hope of eternal life brought by Jesus Christ |
| Number of candles in the Advent wreath | Four or five |
| Advent wreath candle colours | Violet, rose, red, blue, white |
| Advent wreath candle symbolism | Hope, peace, joy, love |
| Advent wreath inventor | Johann Hinrich Wichern (1808-1881), a German Lutheran pastor |
| German tradition | Candle arches, or Schwibbogen |
| Irish tradition | Candles lit in the window as a sign it was safe for a priest to visit |
| Other symbolism | Remembrance, silent prayer, welcome |
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What You'll Learn
Advent candles and wreaths
Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and ends at sunset on Christmas Eve. The wreath and candles are full of symbolism tied to the Christmas season. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolises the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and everlasting life through Christ. The wreath itself, made of various evergreens, signifies continuous life. The individual evergreens that make up the wreath also have their own meanings: laurel symbolises victory over persecution and suffering, and pine cones represent life and resurrection.
Advent wreaths typically hold four candles, each representing one of the four weeks of Advent. Three of the candles are purple, and one is pink. The pink candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent and represents joy as Christmas draws nearer. The purple candles represent a time of prayer, penance, sacrifice, and spiritual reflection. Each candle also represents a theme for each week of Advent: hope, peace, joy, and love.
The custom of the Advent wreath originated among German Lutherans in the 16th century, pioneered by Lutheran pastor Johann Hinrich Wichern. In 1839, he took a large wooden ring from an old cartwheel and decorated it with 24 small red candles and four large white candles. One small candle was lit every weekday and Saturday during Advent, and a large white candle was lit each Sunday. The custom gained popularity among Protestant churches in Germany and later spread to North America in the 1930s.
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German candle arches
Candles have been used during Christmas celebrations for centuries, though no one knows exactly when they first became connected. One of the earliest records of candles being used at Christmas is from the Middle Ages, where a large candle was used to represent the star of Bethlehem. Jesus is sometimes referred to as 'the Light of the World' by Christians, which may have contributed to the custom of Advent Crowns and Advent candles.
Advent wreaths, for instance, are circular, representing God's infinite love, and are usually made of evergreen leaves, symbolising the hope of eternal life brought by Jesus Christ. The four candles of the Advent wreath represent the Christian concepts of hope, peace, joy and love, with one candle lit each week during the four weeks of the Advent season. Many Advent wreaths also include a fifth, white candle, known as the 'Christ candle', which is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
The custom of the Advent wreath originated among German Lutherans in the 16th century, though the modern Advent wreath that we know today did not come about until three centuries later. The invention of the modern Advent wreath is attributed to Johann Hinrich Wichern (1808-1881), a Lutheran pastor in Germany. In 1839, he took a large wooden ring from an old cartwheel and decorated it with 24 small red candles and four large white candles. One small red candle was lit each weekday and Saturday during Advent, and a large white candle was lit each Sunday.
The use of candles at Christmas also has roots in ancient winter solstice celebrations, where candles were used as a way of remembering that spring would soon come.
In addition to the Advent wreath, another German Christmas tradition involving candles is the candle arch, or 'Schwibbogen' in German. These arches were first produced in 1726 from iron, though wood is the typical material used today. The name 'Schwibbogen' refers to the type of architecture it resembles from Gothic times. The tradition of candle arches began with German miners' spouses, who would leave a candle display in the window to light the way home for their husbands returning from work after dusk.
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Candles in windows
Candles have been a traditional part of Christmas for centuries, with one of the earliest records of their use at this time coming from the Middle Ages, when a large candle was used to represent the star of Bethlehem.
Candles in the window are a common Christmas tradition that dates back to colonial times. The tradition is said to have originated with the Irish, whose Catholic faith was outlawed by British priests attempting to repress their religious practices. Irish Catholics began lighting candles in their windows and leaving their doors unlocked at Christmas as a sign that it was safe for a priest to visit under the cover of darkness. The candle was also seen as a silent prayer for the safe return of absent loved ones.
The tradition of candles in the window also served as a symbol of welcome to travellers and visitors, alerting them that the home was occupied and that they would be received with hospitality. This practice was especially important in the days before electric lighting, when dark country roads could be illuminated by the warm glow of a candle.
Today, the tradition of candles in the window continues to be practised around the world, with some opting for electric candles as a safer alternative to an open flame. In Germany, the Christmas season is often marked by the appearance of Schwibbogen, wooden arched candles, in windows. These intricate candle arches serve as decorative storytelling pieces and sources of soft lighting.
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Hanukkah and Kwanzaa
Candles have been associated with Christmas for a long time, although no one knows exactly when this tradition began. One of the earliest records of candles being used at Christmas is from the Middle Ages, when a large candle was used to represent the star of Bethlehem.
Hanukkah
Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, is celebrated during winter for eight days. During this time, Jews light a special candelabra called a 'hanukkiyah' or menorah, which holds eight candles.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a relatively new holiday, created in 1966 by Black activist and professor Maulana Karenga. It is a non-religious holiday celebrated by people of African descent to honour their ancestors and culture. Kwanzaa takes place annually from December 26 to January 1 and involves lighting a kinara, a candle holder that holds seven candles, each representing a different principle: umoja (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamaa (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity), and imani (faith). Three of the candles are red, representing the struggles of slavery, colonisation, and modern-day oppression; three are green, symbolising hope for the future; and one is black, representing African unity.
While there are similarities between Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, they are distinct holidays with their own unique histories and cultural significance.
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Jesus as 'the Light of the World'
The use of candles during Christmas celebrations may have originated in the Middle Ages, when a large candle was used to represent the star of Bethlehem. Christians sometimes refer to Jesus as "the Light of the World", which may have given rise to the custom of Advent Crowns and Advent Candles.
Jesus as the Light of the World
In the Gospel of John, Jesus proclaims, "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12). This is one of seven "I AM" declarations made by Jesus, recorded in John's gospel, asserting his divine identity and purpose. By declaring himself as the light of the world, Jesus claims to be the exclusive source of spiritual light and truth for mankind.
There are two types of light mentioned in the Bible: physical light, which allows us to perceive the world and the Creator's handiwork, and spiritual light, which brings spiritual life and knowledge of God. Jesus, as the Light of the World, embodies both these aspects. He is the true light that gives light to everyone (John 1:9).
Jesus' declaration that he is the light of the world is also a call to his followers. He says, "Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12; 11:9). Believers are described as "children of the light" (Matt 5:14–16; 1 Thess 5:5) and are encouraged to live in truth and reflect God's light in the world (Phil 2:15).
The image of light is also associated with salvation and redemption. By following Jesus, believers move from darkness to light, leaving behind sin and evil deeds, which are often associated with darkness. This idea is expressed in John 12:36, which urges believers to "Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light."
The use of candles during Christmas celebrations, therefore, may symbolize the spiritual light brought into the world by Jesus and serve as a reminder of his presence and saving grace.
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Frequently asked questions
Candles have been used during Christmas for centuries, with one of the earliest records of their use being from the Middle Ages, where a large candle was used to represent the star of Bethlehem.
Christmas candles generally symbolise "the light of God coming into the world through the birth of Jesus Christ". Each of the four candles of the Advent wreath also symbolises the Christian concepts of hope, peace, joy and love.
The custom of the Advent wreath originated among German Lutherans in the 16th century. However, it was not until the 19th century that Johann Hinrich Wichern, a Lutheran pastor in Germany, invented the modern Advent wreath.
Decorative candle arches, known as Schwibbogen, are a staple of Christmastime décor in German homes. They are intricately carved and serve as sources of soft lighting and as decorative storytelling keepsakes.
Burning candles during Christmas is also done to remember absent family members and as a silent prayer for their safe return. It is also believed to be a sign of welcome to weary travellers.
