Many traditions throughout the world include candles. Candles can turn holidays and other activities into traditions that will stay impressed upon your mind. Using the symbol of light encourages hope and peace. Take a look at some prevalent traditions in which candles are used and consider integrating them into your own life.
Weddings
One tradition that is gaining popularity is the Unity Candle at wedding ceremonies. The bride and groom each carry a lit candle and put them together to light a larger unity candle. They may then blow out their individual candles to show that they are now one or leave their own lit to symbolize that they still retain their individuality. Many stores have unity candle setups available for purchase. There are a few variations to the unity ceremony, which includes family and friends each lighting a candle in a line until it gets to the bride, and groom who then share the flame. This signifies the unity of family and friends supporting the couple in their decision to marry.
Birthdays
It is a long practiced tradition to light candles on top of a birthday cake, one for every year of the person’s life. The birthday candle is thought to ward off evil spirits. The birthday person then makes a wish and blows out the candles. If he or she is able to extinguish them all with one breath he is expected to have good fortune in the coming year and hopes that his wish will come true.
Here are a few other traditions that include candle lighting:
• Lighting candles on Christmas Eve
• Kwanzaa
• Hanukkah
• Prayer candles
• Remembrance candles
• Candle in the Window
There are many more traditions that implement the use of candles. Each tradition has meaning and purpose and can well be used to enrich your life.