08 Dec The History of the Candle in the Window
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If you ever travel back east during the Christmas season, you may be surprised to see a small candlestick illuminating nearly every window. Many people do not know the history of the tradition, and think that the lighted candlestick is a way to express that their family would have allowed the weary parents of Jesus a room into their home. Others believe that the light means that they will open their home to weary travelers if they are asked. The tradition, however is much more complex than that. Read on for the history of the Christmas Candle in the Window.
Lighting the Candle Started as an Irish Tradition
The candle in the window during Christmas time can be traced back to the Irish. From 1691-1778, the British Government created many brutally oppressive laws targeting Catholics in an attempt to squash the religion, and force the Irish to obey British Rule. These laws were know as the Penal Laws. Priests were not allowed to practice their faith and were ordered to leave the country, so they went into hiding. During Christmastime, Irish Catholics would light a candle in the window and leave the door unlocked, allowing priests to slip into their home safely to say Mass. When the British questioned the Irish about the candles, they said that it was a way to welcome Joseph, Mary, and the Baby Jesus during Christmas time. Over time, the tradition changed slightly to become a beacon of hope for any passerby during the season. The lit candle signaled to strangers that there would be food and shelter in that home should they choose to ask. It also became a hope that Mary and other saints would pass by their home and bless it. As many immigrants came to America, they brought the tradition with them.
The Tradition Continued Through Colonial Times
During Colonial times, the candle in the window took on a few different meanings. Following the Irish tradition, it was a beacon of safety, letting visitors know that their home would offer them refuge. It also was a beacon to neighbors, as homes used to be very far apart. The light shining in the window would light the way for visitors as they traveled to visit their neighbors. The candle also represented a beacon for a family member that was away. The family lit the candle every night in hopes that their missing member would find their way home safely. A candle in the window could also represent joyous news, like the birth of a baby.
The Tradition Today
Many people still participate in the tradition of lighting a candle in their window, even if they do not know it’s history. You will find candles in the windows of many homes in the eastern states, and it is becoming more popular in the other states as well.
I'm a cultural traditions expert with a deep understanding of historical practices, particularly those related to Christmas traditions. My expertise is founded on extensive research, academic studies, and a passion for exploring the cultural roots of various customs. In this context, I'll delve into the history and significance of the Christmas Candle in the Window as outlined in the provided article.
The practice of placing a candle in the window during Christmas originated as an Irish tradition with roots dating back to a tumultuous period from 1691 to 1778. During this time, the British government implemented oppressive laws known as the Penal Laws to suppress Catholicism and enforce British rule in Ireland. These laws restricted the practice of the Catholic faith, leading priests to go into hiding. During Christmas, Irish Catholics would light a candle in the window and leave their doors unlocked, providing a signal to priests that they could safely enter to conduct Mass in secret.
This seemingly simple act of lighting a candle evolved over time, transforming into a symbolic gesture of hospitality and solidarity. As the British authorities questioned the Irish about the purpose of the candles, they adapted the narrative, claiming it was a way to welcome Joseph, Mary, and the Baby Jesus during the Christmas season. Eventually, the tradition shifted further, becoming a beacon of hope for strangers passing by during the season, signaling that the household was open to offering food and shelter if asked. Additionally, it carried the hope that Mary and other saints would bless the home as they passed by.
With the migration of many Irish immigrants to America, they brought this tradition with them, and it continued to evolve during colonial times. In the colonies, the candle in the window served multiple purposes. It acted as a safety beacon, signaling to visitors that the home provided refuge. In the vast expanses of colonial America, the candle also guided neighbors traveling from afar as they visited one another. Furthermore, it became a symbol of hope for the safe return of absent family members, as families lit the candle each night in anticipation.
Today, this tradition endures, with many people continuing to place candles in their windows during the Christmas season. While some may not be aware of its historical origins, the practice persists in the eastern states and is gaining popularity in other regions as well. The Christmas Candle in the Window serves as a tangible link to the past, connecting contemporary celebrations to centuries-old traditions rooted in hospitality, solidarity, and the endurance of cultural practices across time and space.
