To bring warmth into your life, there’s nothing better than a candle. They light up even the darkest nights, invite everyone to cozy up around them, and provide the most beautiful, comfortable glow. Many celebrations that use candles have their own unique reasons and meanings. Check out these joyous celebrations filled with light.
Kwanzaa
Originating in the late 1960s, Kwanzaa celebrates African American history and culture. Spanning seven days, this celebration starts on December 13th, and it’s filled with music, parties, and delicious food. It’s all about spending time with others and fostering a feeling of community. The seven days themselves also have great significance—they stand for the seven principles that Kwanzaa holds. Those seven principles are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. A kinara, a candleholder, holds seven candles to represent each of these principles in action.
Birthdays
Is there anything better than blowing out candles on your birthday? Birthday candles are eponymous with the day itself, and families celebrate by adorning a cake with lit candles and serenading the birthday haver. That person then makes a wish when they blow out the candles. In this instance, candles serve to further a feeling of warmth and excitement. They also represent people’s wishes, which lend to the magical feeling you get when you see a lit candle.
Brigid’s Day
To kick off spring to the fullest, St. Brigid’s Day came to fruition in Ireland. On February 1st, participants light candles to represent the longer, warmer, and brighter days that lay ahead. It’s all in honor of the Goddess Brigid, as she brought prosperity and poetry to the people. People also make offerings to her on this day, which includes hand-crafted corn dollies.
With the help of flickering candles, some custom made matches to get it roaring, and tons of family and friends, these celebrations can truly shine.