How Candles in Windows Became a Holiday Tradition

After the installation of replacement windows in San Jose, CA, you have a great medium to create a beautiful, light-filled tribute to the season. At the center of your replacement window displays, you will likely use some sort of candle (battery-operated, solar, or electric) configuration as the point of focus around which you will place other seasonal decorations.

Historically, lit candles in windows were used as a welcoming sign for travelers and friends and family who were coming to visit. The roads of old times were often dirt roads, with houses and inns spread far apart from each other. At night, except for the moon and stars, there was no other light for travelers to see a place where they could stop to rest for the night. Lit candles in the windows were a welcome sign.

But where did the tradition of putting candles in windows during the holidays begin? And why was it done?

Having a lit candle in all the windows in your home is holiday tradition that traces its roots back to the 18th century in Ireland. As the birth of Irish nationalism dawned in Ireland, after the British tried to suppress Catholicism and promote Anglicanism throughout the island, the battle for faith among the Irish, including priests, began.

Irish Catholic priests, who were being hunted by the British, were forced to secretly worship in the Catholic tradition as they traveled furtively around Ireland. Irish Catholics, in response, began to put lit candles in their windows and to leave the doors to their houses unlocked on Christmas as a sign to the priests that they could safely visit the homes in the shroud of darkness.

Although the original meaning of put lit candles in windows during the holiday season has mostly been lost to history, the tradition prevails to this day around the world. Having lighted candles in windows during the holidays now has different meanings for different people.

Some people place lighted candles in their windows for religious reasons. In fact, Jews who are celebrating Hanukkah around the same time often put lighted menorahs in their windows to as a symbol of the menorah that God ordered to be made for the Tabernacle in Exodus 25. The menorah is a symbol of God’s light and holiness in a dark and sinful world, with seven candle holders (fashioned to look like almond blossoms, which represent God’s intention to complete His plan for His creation) that represent the presence of God.

People of other faiths also use candles in their windows to represent their faith, to remember their loved ones who have died, and to demonstrate their commitment to be, as Jesus commanded in Matthew 5, a light to the world.

Other people put lit candles in their windows during the holidays because it has been done in their families from generation to generation. It is a symbol of family, endurance, and legacy.

Many people, however, use lighted candles in their windows during the holiday season to create a festive decoration. These candles may have green and red bows hanging around them or they may be surrounded by holiday-themed displays that feature familiar Christmas themes.

Some people also put lighted candles in their windows during the holiday season to remember their loved ones who may not be able to come home or who are far away. This meaning took hold during World War II, and it not only remembered the soldiers who were gone, but it also represented a prayer for their safe return.

To learn about replacement windows in San Jose, CA, you can talk with our expert team at California Custom Creations. You can call us at (408) 316-6293 to make an appointment for a free in-home consultation.

Why are candles placed in the windows of Irish homes?

Having a lit candle in all the windows in your home is holiday tradition that traces its roots back to the 18th century in Ireland. As the birth of Irish nationalism dawned in Ireland, after the British tried to suppress Catholicism and promote Anglicanism throughout the island, the battle for faith among the Irish, including priests, began.

What does a single lit candle represent in windows?

The tradition prevails to this day around the world. Having lighted candles in windows during the holidays now has different meanings for different people.

Why lit candles in their windows during the holidays?

Other people put lit candles in their windows during the holidays because it has been done in their families from generation to generation. It is a symbol of family, endurance, and legacy.