As the snow begins to fall and wintry air surrounds us, few things offer more comfort than the warm glow of a candle. Whether in churches, temples, mosques or homes, we light candles to observe holidays, commemorate historical events, memorialize victims of a tragedy or signify a holy presence. Across cultural and religious lines, light, in one form or another, is a universal symbol of the knowledge, truth and wisdom that unites us all. Tonight begins the Jewish festival of lights — Hanukkah — in which Jews light eight candles over eight days to commemorate the miracle of the lamp. On Sunday, Christian advent candles will herald the coming of Christ, and on Dec. 26, African-Americans will light a series of seven candles to represent their struggle for equality and a better future. Though there are differences, each holiday celebrates light. As the candles burn, observers contemplate their meaning and consider how they can incorporate the symbolism into their lives. "The light of the menorah specifically symbolizes the idea and the knowledge of God," said Rabbi Joseph Weiss of the B'nai Emunoh Orthodox Jewish Synagogue in Greenfield. "It means that we are supposed to maintain the pure teachings of God." Candle flames are symbols of the light of spirit that dwells within each of us. Jews light candles as a means of ushering in the Sabbath every Friday night, Weiss points out. "The main function of candles is to signify peace and harmony in the household," he said. Many texts in the Christian and Hebrew Bibles, the Torah, and in the Muslims' Quran use this symbolism. Light is associated with creation. Light is a metaphor for God's illumination of the path. Light dispels darkness and evil. "There are references in the book of Psalms to the soul being a candle for God," Weiss said. "In one way or another, all human beings attempt to relate to the creator of the universe." So much of our thinking about religion and well-being is centered on the concept of light, says the Rev. Ron Lengwin, spokesman for the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh. Studies have shown that when we're deprived of light during the winter months, we tend to feel depressed. "Without light, there would be no life. It's as simple as that," Lengwin said. "We need light to grow our plants and crops; we need light for warmth." Light has also been used throughout the ages to symbolize joy and remembrance. An eternal flame at President John F. Kennedy's grave is a testament to a life snuffed out too soon. A solitary flame burns inside the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum as a memorial to thousands of victims. Most recently, an eternal flame was lit at ground zero in New York City. "Light gives us hope," Lengwin said. "It's a reminder to us that we can bring some good out of the worst situations because God is there." Deborah Starling-Pollard, community liaison for the Carnegie Museum of Art, says even though Kwanzaa is primarily associated with African-Americans, its principles — unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith — are universal. "Lighting the candles is really indicative of hope, change and a better tomorrow," she said. "That is enriching for African-American children, Asian children and anyone else who is interested." From fireworks to laser light shows to tiny, colored bulbs on Christmas trees, people are attracted to light. U.S. retail sales of candles top $2.3 billion annually, and art exhibits showcasing light have been well-received locally. Light!, an exhibit at the Carnegie Museum of Art in 2001, was one of the most successful ever. The exhibit attracted 151,598 visitors from April through July. They came to view more than 300 works of major painters and other artists as well as scientific and historic objects showcasing how discoveries about natural and artificial light transformed art and everyday life. Louise Lippincott, curator for the museum, says light is a fundamental element of life. "The meaning of light hasn't changed much over the years, even though the technology has," she said. "It's still a very powerful metaphor." Celebrations of Light Hanukkah: Today-Dec. 6. In 165 B.C., a small group of Jews called the Maccabees recaptured Jerusalem from the Syrian king. As tradition says, after cleaning the temple, they could find only enough oil to light the menorah for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted eight days. Jews light one candle in the menorah each day of the eight-day holiday to commemorate the miracle. Advent : Four Sundays before Christmas, beginning Sunday. A common practice in the home and church is to have an Advent wreath. Around the circumference are four candles, one for each of the four Sundays of the Advent season and one white candle in the middle. Christians light one candle each Sunday in preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Kwanzaa: Dec. 26-Jan. 1. From the Swahili word meaning "first fruits," Kwanzaa was created in 1966 as an African-American cultural celebration of seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Seven candles in red, green and black are lit to signify African-Americans' struggle for equality and hope for a better future.

---

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)

---