Christmas Candle Window Tradition

Red candles in windows are a centuries' old Christmas tradition.

Flickering candles in windows, bright lights and ornaments on Christmas trees and colorfully wrapped packages are traditional decorations to be expected during the Christmas season. The tradition of placing Christmas candles in windows is so common that many people don't ever consider how the tradition began.

History

Fewer candles were used in the colonies due to English taxes.

Candle lighting around Christmas time began with the ancient Romans. During the winter solstice, they held midwinter festivals to celebrate the return of the sun.
Placing a candle in the window as a Christmas symbol, however, seems to be an Irish tradition. As early as the 16th and 17th centuries, devout Irish Catholics began the practice of placing large, usually red, candles in the windows of their homes on Christmas Eve. As Irish immigrants moved to Colonial America, the practice of placing candles in the windows of their homes during the Christmas season continued. The number of candles was often limited, due to the high cost of candles imported from England.

Significance

Christmas window candles started as a method to keep priests safe.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, penal laws were passed in Britain and Ireland prohibiting the practice of Catholicism. Practicing Catholics were strictly punished, and practicing priests were sometimes put to death. Penal laws were enforced as late as the 18th and 19th centuries, prohibiting Catholics from many civil liberties and religious freedoms and forcing them to find ways to practice their faith secretly. For devoted Irish Catholics, candles in windows on Christmas Eve signified safety and welcome to passing priests and permission for Christmas Mass to be celebrated in their homes. In Colonial America, Christmas candles placed in the window were a sign of welcome to travelers and a symbol of the warmth of home during the holidays.

Misconceptions

The candle signified welcome to Mary and Joseph.

English authorities began to ask why some families burned candles in their windows. The Irish created a story that eventually became accepted as a traditional Irish custom. The Irish told the English that the candle was lit in remembrance of the Holy Family, Mary and Joseph, to light their way as they looked for shelter and welcome on Christmas night.

Types

Traditional red candles

Traditional wax Christmas candles have been used for centuries. Wax candles come in a large variety of sizes and colors and are enjoyed for the flickering light and warmth they give. Although the tradition continues, technology changes how it is practiced. Battery-operated flicker candles give the appearance of a moving flame without actual fire. They are sold in a variety of colors and sizes. Because the sizing is standard, they can be used to replace wax candles in some Christmas arrangements. Electric candles may also be purchased to place in windows in multiple- or single-candle arrangements and several colors. Some people prefer them because these candles don't require batteries.

Superstitions

Like four-leaf clovers, Christmas traditions were thought to bring good luck.

Several superstitions surround Christmas candles. Once lit only on Christmas Eve, candles are thought to bring good luck if left burning until Christmas morning. Traditionally, the youngest member of an Irish family must light the candle already placed in the window on Christmas Eve. It is to be left undisturbed as it burns. According to this superstition, only a girl named Mary should blow the candle out.

References

• Christmas in Dublin: Candles in the Window
• American Family Traditions: The Candle in the Window
• Catholic Culture: Christmas Traditions
• The Holiday Spot: Christmas Superstitions

Resources

• Fantasy-Ireland: The Candle in the Window Is a Common Christmas Decoration in Ireland