Twelve Days of Irish Holiday Traditions: Light a Candle
Written by Ciaran Vipond on Dec 03, 2023 | 0 Comments
Inspired by that traditional carol, and the funny Irish version, Christmas Countdown, we're bringing you Twelve Days of Christmas (Traditions). These Irish traditions make the season so special for so many on the Emerald Isle. You may even want to try one for yourself!
Day 4 - Light a Candle
Our next tradition is simple but lovely. Lighting a candle or candles for Christmas is a tradition that spans many countries and cultures. Here in Ireland, there is a particular significance to the lighting of candles, providing gentle moments of reflection and calm in an otherwise busy season. Best of all, this is a simple tradition to adopt!
On Christmas Eve in Ireland, you won’t see many windows with curtains or blinds closed. There will be Christmas trees aplenty, but many windows will also have a candle or two, or three, burning away in the window.
Photo Credit: Ralph (CC BY 4.0)
Christmas Eve Candle
My wife talks very fondly about lighting candles on Christmas Eve as a small child growing up in Canada, a tradition her Irish parents enjoyed as children back in Ireland. The children of the house would light a candle in the window, and with all other lights off, the family would sit together chatting and watching the flickering flame. For her, it was a cozy time to sit together with her family before heading up to bed to wait for Santa.
It is tradition for the youngest member of the household to light the candle, with a little help if needed.
The Origins of the Tradition
This simple tradition can trace its roots back to the 17th Century in Ireland, at a time when Catholic rituals were being suppressed. Catholic families would light a candle to signal to passing priests that they would receive a warm welcome should they come to call or need a safe harbor. Doors were left unlocked so passers by could enter silently to join the family.
Unsurprisingly, all these candles in the windows garnered some attention from authorities. So the story goes that the candle was a light for the holy family on their travels on Christmas Eve. The authorities viewed this story as a bit of harmless superstition, and the practice was allowed to continue. And so the tradition grew.
Candle of Welcome
With time, this idea has evolved and grown. The Christmas Eve candle in the window is now a sign of welcome for all, friends or strangers. This heart-warming signal that anyone will receive hospitality should they come calling stems from the belief that nobody should go without, especially during the holidays. The Irish are famous for their warm welcome, and their kindness and generosity are always to the fore at Christmas.
Candle for Remembrance
The tradition had faded somewhat in the twentieth century but was revived by our beloved President Mary Robinson during her term of office. Her statement that “there will always be a light on in Áras an Uachtaráin for our exiles and our emigrants” extended this Irish tradition to the global Irish family, promising a warm welcome home year-round, not just on Christmas Eve.
And so today, the calming candlelight is also a reminder of those who are not with us at Christmas time.
What's Next?
Check back in with us tomorrow for Day 5 of our Twelve Days of Irish Christmas traditions. You might also like to see our Twelve Days of Christmas offers too!
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Ciaran Vipond
My Irish Jeweler
Born in Co. Antrim and reared in Dublin, I was fascinated with Gaelic culture from an early age. I suppose it's not surprising given my mother inherited a grá for the Irish language from my grandfather, an Irish school headmaster. And that grá continues! My brother and sister are now Gaelic teachers here in Ireland, my niece is an award winning Irish dancer, and I proudly work to share Irish culture through our Irish and Celtic Jewelry at My Irish Jeweler!
I love researching and reading about the history of Irish design. It's at the core of what we do here at My Irish Jeweler. I find much of it so interesting that I have to share what I find. I hope you enjoy it!
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