Twelve Days of Irish Words and Phrases: The Irish Christmas Candle
Written by Ciaran on Dec 07, 2024 | 0 Comments
Welcome to Day 7 of our Twelve Days of Irish Christmas. Inspired by that traditional carol and the funny Irish version, Christmas Countdown, we're bringing you Twelve Days of Irish Christmas (Words).
The Irish Christmas Candle
Lighting a candle, an coinneal (anh quinn-al), is a tradition that spans many countries and cultures. Here in Ireland, there is a particular significance to the lighting of candles. 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!) glowing in the window.
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 suppressed. Catholic families would light a candle, signalling to any passing priests that they would receive a warm welcome, or fáilte (Fall-cha), should they come to call, or need a safe harbor. Doors were left unlocked so passersby could enter to join the family.
Unsurprisingly, all these candles in the windows garnered some attention from authorities. Thus, it was told that the candle was to light 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.
It is tradition for the youngest member of the household to light the candle, with a little help if needed!
Candle For Remembrance
The tradition had faded somewhat in the twentieth century but was revived by our beloved former 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 8 of our Twelve Days of Irish Christmas, or open Door Number 7 of our 12 Days of Christmas offers!
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Ciaran
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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