Gift Traditions

A Window Candle has been a traditional practice in many cultures. It has a variety of meanings in The United States. The practice starts with the fundamental use of fire by mankind. Throughout the history of man a campfire has represented warmth and security. It is the source of heat to cook food and warm the body and the spirit. It is the barrier between the safe and the unsafe in an untamed and unfriendly wilderness. Over the course of history, as we have moved our campfires into our homes, there, the hearth has represented these very same things. The family hearth has been the center of activity because of its warmth and practical use for food preparation. We love to watch the dancing flames as the fire's warmth flows into the deepest and coldest parts of our bodies. Sitting in front of the hearth on a cold wintry day gives us a feeling of warmth and security. It makes us feel like all is right with the world. In most cultures a Candle in the Window was used to signal a Family's loyalty to a loved one who was away traveling. It let that person know the family awaited their return and the hearth was warm and waiting for them1. In Ireland during times of religious persecution, the Window Candle signaled the location of religious services2.

A Candle in the Window
What does it mean?

Many have asked me what the title of my site "A Candle in the Window" means. To me, it is simply an expression of welcome. I base my "meaning" upon childhood memories, when the tradition of placing lit candles in the windows at Christmas time was explained to me. A lit candle in the window meant that the inhabitants of the dwelling extend warm greetings and are willing to offer their homes to weary travelers. Come in! Let us give you shelter!

Many nationalities, states, countries and religions take responsibility for the custom and tradition. Here are a few of the explanations:


The most widely accepted explanation is the history of The Christmas Candle:

The Christmas tradition of placing candles in your windows dates back to the very beginning of Christianity. A large candle was lit on Christmas Eve, symbolizing Christ, the light of the world. It was left to burn the whole night to mark the nativity-lighting the way for Mary and Joseph. This ancient custom still persists in several European countries such as France, England, Ireland and Denmark.

The first of the 13 original colonies, Virginia, takes credit for adopting the tradition in the USA, with its own twist:

A candle in the window is an old Virginia tradition, a gesture of welcome and a promise of warm hospitality to guests. The tradition of placing a candle in the window goes back to colonial times in the United States and much further in other countries. It symbolizes the warmth and security of the family hearth and signals loyalty to family members and loved ones who are not present in the home.

The Tale of Newport Candles is an interesting story:

Some communities are returning to the early custom of putting a small light in each window of the home to celebrate the holiday season and share the candle's warmth and glow with the passing world. Some say it originated in Newport RI and is a tradition that is worth spreading along the Revolutionary Road. The light event was repeated the week of March 6, 1781 when Washington reviewed the French troops in Newport. Then they also had a precession with candles. But the story goes back further to the arrival of the French fleet.

The town of Newport was at first stunned by the size of the French fleet and some were afraid they were about to be invaded. The story goes that revolutionary Committee of Safety knew otherwise and offered free candles so that every house would have a candle in every window that night to welcome the French. Rich and poor gathered up the free candles. When everyone had been served, it was announced that the candles were no longer free but that the display of lights had become mandatory. Those who had wanted to boycott this warm display of gratitude to our allies then had to buy their candles.

So there you have it! If anyone knows of other meanings associated with this tradition, I would be happy to hear them and post them here. I welcome you and I sincerely hope you enjoy your stay!
Kathy

Froggy writes:I have also heard about a different meaning for a candle in the window. I am not sure of it's origin or anything, but I have heard of people putting a candle in the window for a missing loved one.

Johnny Banzai wrote (11/26/02) to tell me that:

"I have also heard that the candle dates back to the Irish Catholic persecution by the British. They left a candle in the window to let a priest know that they needed services/sacraments - the candle let them know that it was safe to enter. Open service had been banned..."