November has arrived. One of those less pleasant months of the year – the days are getting shorter, it rains more often, it is cold and dark and there is no end to winter in sight. The grey November days will certainly brighten up our evenings spent at home, under a blanket, with a cup of warm cocoa, brightened by the glow of candles. Exactly – candles. In addition to light, they give us a sense of warmth, peace, and relaxation. But where did the tradition of burning them actually come from? Have you ever wondered about it?
A candle accompanies a person from the beginning of life to death. As children, we like to blow out candles on birthday cakes, burn candles in churches and temples during services and processions, and a candle is with us during baptisms or first communions. Candlelight accompanies us in our homes during many events, giving meetings a uniquely festive character. It also serves a relaxing function. We value the flame of a candle, which is often enriched with essential oils and emanates pleasant scents.
And how did it all begin? The first mentions of candles date back 5,000 years. Its prototype was found in Egypt – these were sticks soaked in animal fat. The Romans perfected the invention by adding a wick to the candle and dipping rolled papyrus in animal fat and beeswax.
For believers, light symbolizes truth, hope and spiritual life and is a way to express intentions or thanksgiving. Lighting a candle often accompanies prayer, meditation and many religious rituals. Candles lit in sanctuaries have a long tradition and are associated with various meanings and spiritual practices. A candle, when burning, symbolizes the continuity of prayer even after leaving the sanctuary, carrying with it the intention of the person who lit it. Pilgrims often light candles as an expression of their prayers and requests. In November, when we celebrate All Saints' Day, we light votive candles and candles on the graves of our loved ones and friends. This is a way to pay tribute and express love for those who have passed away. The candle then becomes a symbol of undying memory and bond.
The tradition of burning candles on cakes has its origins in Ancient Greece. In honor of the goddess Artemis, the Greeks baked round cakes and decorated them with candles symbolizing the light of the moon - which was patronized by this goddess. Later, it was believed that birthday candles protect against the effects of evil spirits, are a symbol and a sign of good luck for the next year of life.
Candles are a must-have in each of the sanctuary cities. You can buy candles made using traditional methods, light a lamp or a candle for the intention in the church, and pray in their glow together with other pilgrims.
When in Altötting, do not forget to buy a unique souvenir, the so-called weather candle. This is a black candle, often decorated with the image of the Madonna of Altötting or Brother Konrad, which comes from a custom prevailing in the Alpine regions. When a storm approaches, black candles are lit to protect the household. Their traditional color comes from the fact that in ancient times, the remains of candle wax were melted to make weather candles, over time the wax became dark and black.
A unique event in the sanctuary cities are candle processions, which create a unique space for prayer and contemplation. The evening light of thousands of candles carried creates an atmosphere of concentration and prayer.
You can see one of the most beautiful candlelight processions in Lourdes, where the Marian procession has been held since 1872. In the evening, thousands of pilgrims walk singing with torches in hand from the Grotto of the Apparitions to the Basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Rosaire. Whether you are a participant or a mere spectator, you will be moved by this "magical" moment that brings together men and women from all over the world.
Every year in May, pilgrims on foot come to Fatima. Many of them participate in the international rosary and the procession of light. It is impossible not to be carried away by the power and beauty of these thousands of lights that illuminate far beyond the sanctuary. Another interesting and popular tradition is the burning of candles of various shapes. It is impossible not to notice the smoke of burning candles in the vicinity of the sanctuary. Pilgrims who come to Fatima with some intention, with requests for healing, buy a candle-figurine in the shape of a heart, hand, leg, lungs, etc. ... It all depends on what illness they are struggling with. Some candles are smaller, others are even 1.50 m tall.
Regardless of where you are, when lighting a candle in one of the cities of sanctuaries, remember that your candle is unique: it is a sign of a special prayer intention, requests, thanks, sacrifices.
