Why candles are used during Christmas
JOBURG – A brief history on how candles have had a special meaning, especially during the festive season.
It is said by WhyChristmas.Com that there are many reasons why candles are associated with Christmas, though no one knows when they first were used.
The site explained that candles were used during ancient winter solstice celebrations as a way of remembering that spring would soon come.
It said one of the earliest records of candles being used at Christmas was from the middle ages, where a large candle was used to represent the star of Bethlehem. Jesus is sometimes called ‘the Light of the World’ by Christians. This might have started the custom of the Advent Crown and Advent Candles.
Candles are also said to have been used during Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of light which is also celebrated during winter. During the eight nights of Hanukkah, a candle is lit in a special menorah called a hanukkiyah.
Candles are also used in the modern winter festival Kwanzaa, where a special candleholder called a kinara that holds seven candles is used. Maybe the most famous use of candles at Christmas is Carols by Candlelight.
Candles were also originally used to decorate Christmas trees until safer electric lights were invented
