There is something powerful about a single candle shining in a darkened window. But when you see rows of houses burning or burning it can feel eerily fast or at least curious. Most though The colorful symbols on houses have a deeper meaning than you might thinkAnd the candles in the windows are no exception, the symbolism is not obvious. The neighborhood you live in, family traditions that were passed down, the time of year, your ancestry or even religion can all change the meaning of an otherwise powerful concept.
The most common meaning associated with the burning candle is that it is an Irish tradition, brought to the US by immigrants. As religion has historically divided people, in the 17th century, Irish Catholics were disenfranchised and subjected to the “Penal Laws” to force Protestantism on the people. Perhaps to let priests know they are welcome, say at Christmas Mass, in their homes, people will leave candles in their windows. Although there are some opinions on this story, since the time did not really allow for many windows, the story has stuck. Whether it’s true or not, many Irish families, to this day, remember having the youngest (or a child named John or Mary) work to light the candles on Christmas Eve.
More religious reasons for lighting candles in windows
Another story that, perhaps, drives home the importance of family traditions, traces the phenomenon of window candles in Virginia. However, many people celebrated Christmas in the 1930s, but instead of putting up festive decorations, they relied on more elaborate methods, such as fasting to ring in the day. With the aim of bringing more festive cheer, the president of the Living-History Museum, Colonial Williamsburg, tasked the land architect with finding historical celebratory practices for the day.
Reminiscent of the days when his family lit candles in the windows at Christmas, the practice was adopted in public buildings and soon caught on with the public. It’s no wonder that many people consider candles to be essential Christmas decorations (and choose to leave them out all year long because candles are beautiful!). Although, admittedly, there is no shortage of it today Modern Christmas decorating ideas that put a twist on tradition.
Except for Christmas decorations, candles or, more specifically, the nine-branched menorah (also known as a Hanukkah). Jewish symbol. You can find nine candles lit on a decorated candelabra around Hanukkah, an eight-day festival celebrated in December.
Safe passage, bereavement, birth and other reasons
Pennsylvania Dutch has deep roots in tradition, where once dark, every window displays a lit candle — electric, not wax. Turns out, most of these houses have “candle switches” that help turn them on or off and are remnants of the Underground Railroad network. A house with candles in its windows promised safe passage and freedom. However, to be fair, this symbolism was also popular in other states during colonial times decades ago, promising a safe sanctuary to any passerby, as most areas were not heavily populated and could go miles without boarding. At other times, they were also used to denote “remembrance”. When a loved one leaves for a journey, candles indicate that they were greatly missed and their return is awaited.
As symbols of hope, spiritual light, and victory over darkness, lighting candles also symbolizes many other things. Some families choose to celebrate a birth by placing them, while others mourn the completion of a loved one’s life cycle through this act. However, in the latter, you can find souvenirs along with burning candles.
Symbolism aside, candles, or at least solar-powered versions, also serve a utilitarian purpose. When a storm hits and the lights go out, it prevents the world from going dark, which can come in handy when you’re navigating the stairs, cooking a meal, or chasing after your kids. Indeed, one can never know why candles are placed in the windows of a house without asking. But we can agree that it’s a beautiful tradition, and the world could do with more light.
