Here are some facts about this custom that you may not have known before now.<\/p>\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nReligious Significance of Candles in the Window<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s suggested that the practice of putting a candle in the window originated in Ireland. Lighting a candle has universal religious significance that emphasizes love and warm kindness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Safe Haven for Irish Catholic Priests<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ireland and Britain had a complex relationship<\/a>. Sometime between 1501 and 1700 AD, the British passed laws against the practice of Roman Catholicism in Ireland or Britain. Called the Penal Laws<\/a>, those who chose to continue to practice the Catholic faith were faced with harsh penalties. Punishment ranged from fines to imprisonment to death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It was actually Irish Catholics priests who were most harshly persecuted and faced death if they continued to minister. Priests were instructed to leave but many went into hiding instead. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Many Irish Catholics continued to practice their faith behind closed doors. Candles in the window were a clandestine signal to priests who\u2019d been banished from the land. <\/strong>During the Christmas season, faithful Irish Catholics lit a candle in their window and unlocked their doors to welcome priests into their home for Mass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fearful for their lives, when asked by the British about the meaning of placing a candle in the window, the Irish explained that they were welcoming the Virgin Mary, Baby Jesus, and Joseph into their homes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Persecution persisted and many were prohibited from owning land, holding public office, or even voting. And a lot of time passed before they were able to freely practice their Catholic faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Different faiths engage Christianity in different ways. The Amish do not practice the commercialized form of Christianity. You won\u2019t find nativity scenes<\/a>, Santa Claus sculptures, or floating angels anywhere in or around the homes of the Amish. What you will likely find is a candle in the window<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Amish acknowledge the birth of Jesus by lighting a candle and placing it in the window. Adding many more decorations than that is considered excessive. To keep the focus on Christ, they keep it simple by celebrating the light of the world.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Although Amish customs vary by community, the one thing all of them emphasize is celebration of the birth of Christ through scripture reading and storytelling. Lighting a candle supports that sentiment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Practical and handmade gifts are sometimes exchanged, but coming together as a family to share a meal and spend time with one another is more important to them than accumulating material goods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the Jewish faith, the Hanukkah menorah is lit and placed in the window in order to spread light to others<\/a>. In America, lighting candles in the window was also a symbol of religious freedom for Jews. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, religious persecution still exists<\/a> and fewer and fewer people of the Jewish faith continue to light menorah candles in their windows for fear of physical harm or property damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But in response to anti-Semitic acts, non-Jews have taken up the practice of lighting a menorah in their windows during Hanukkah to express solidarity with the Jews\u2019 right to openly practice their faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Engaging in this practice spreads light throughout the neighborhood<\/a> into broken communities whose hearts might mend a little more every time they see a candle burning in the window.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In effect, when Jews persist with the practice of putting a candle in the window, they help communicate how one small flame can have a major positive impact on those who see it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Conditions worsened for the Irish, causing many of them to emigrate from Ireland. In America, they continued the candle lighting tradition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Back then, homes were a great distance apart. Candles were used to welcome visitors or symbolize hope and solidarity during harsh winters.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A candle in the window also welcomed weary travelers who sought a vacant room and warm meal.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Over time, candles also came to represent a beacon for family members who\u2019d gone away; it also served as a silent prayer for their safe return<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, during World War I families didn\u2019t know if they would ever see their loved ones again, so they would light a candle until they returned. If they didn\u2019t return, the candles were lit in their memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There was a song published in 1918 that described this exact ritual. Appropriately titled, \u201cPlace a Candle in the Window \u2018Till Your Laddie Boy Comes Home,\u201d it described the candle as watchful and peaceful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019ve included the chorus below:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Place a candle in the window \u2018till your laddie boy comes home.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Let its rays shine out afar, just like a bright and gleaming star<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n For to guide a weary soldier to his rest when war fires smolder<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Place a candle in the window \u2018till your laddie boy comes home.<\/em><\/p>\nLyrics by Fern Glenn, 1918<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s both a somber and hopeful song that I\u2019m sure helped many families cope with the uncertainty of their soldier\u2019s return. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can find the original sheet music in the rare book reading room<\/a> of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library in Chicago, Illinois.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\nAmish Christmas Celebration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Jews Helping to Spread Light<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Historical Social Significance of Candles in the Window<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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