The Christmas Candle
Throughout medieval Europe, a very large candle called the Christmas candle was burned until the twelfth night. In remembrance of the arrival of the Wise Men to Bethlehem.
In Victorian times, candles represented good will for those less fortunate and were placed in windows December 25 to January 6 to welcome any passerby needing shelter and food.
Certain beliefs were attached to candles. Some people believed the flames from the burning candles frightened away evil spirits during the darkest days of the year.
The Norwegians believed that Christmas candles must not burn out on Christmas Eve or bad luck would plague the family. Legends tell us that candles in windows guide the Christ Child as He wanders from house to house on Christmas Eve looking for a place to stay. Thus, no traveler can be turned away on Christmas Eve in case the Christ Child might come by.
The custom of lighting candles on trees indoors started in Germany. To them, the candles represented the stars and is one custom that founded its way to America.
Today, especially at Christmas, candles signify the message of the season. A candle burning in the window of some Christian homes symbolically lights the way of the Holy family, as well as welcomed guests.