Tradition for all to believe: Light a candle

Aflickering candle has universal appeal.

Its flame inspires and soothes, especially now around the winter solstice, the darkest days of the year.

"Light is hope, promise and even relief," said Kristin M. Swenson, assistant professor of religious studies at Virginia Commonwealth University.

"Long before Kwanzaa, Christmas, or even Hanukkah, people fired up those darkest days to make the hope of new life real.

"But it's tough for us, with such easy access to light on demand and a planet that glows from outer space 24/7 to imagine what it must have been like in December in the first century," Swenson said.

It was a long-ago December when a small Jewish band defeated the Syrian-Greek army and reclaimed the temple in Jerusalem. There was enough oil to light the temple lamp for one day but it miraculously lasted for eight, until more oil was obtained.

In celebration, Jews observe Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, for eight days and eight nights. Hanukkah, which began Sunday evening, celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

"At this time of the year when we have the least amount of light, Jews across the world illuminate their homes with more physical and spiritual light for eight consecutive nights," said Rabbi Ben Romer of Congregation Or Ami in South Richmond. "Each night [yields] an even brighter exclamation of the presence of the light of the Eternal One."

For Christians, today celebrates the birth of Jesus, "the light of the world," said Sister M. Jean Frisk, director of art and special projects at the University of Dayton's Marian Library.

"We light up to honor the Christ child, to celebrate light, to welcome."

In some countries, such as Germany, lit candles are placed on trees and in windows as a symbol of welcome.

Kwanzaa, a seven-day cultural celebration that begins tomorrow, is marked by participants lighting a kinara. Created in 1966 as the first African-American holiday, Kwanzaa features candles symbolizing seven principles that strengthen families and communities.

They are: Umoja (unity); Kujichagulia (self-determination); Ujima (collective work and responsibility); Ujamaa (cooperative economics) Nia (purpose); Kuumba (creativity); and, Imani (faith).

"The symbols in Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa involve light and inspire us to burn brightly and light the way for others," said Debbie Mandel, author of "Addicted to Stress: A Woman's 7 Step Program to Reclaim Joy and Spontaneity in Life."

Whether used in religious rituals or amid holiday decor, a candle often evokes emotion.

A lit wick is as compelling today as it was centuries ago.

"There is something about a burning candle that stills a person," Swenson said.

"It calms and inspires at the very same time. Even though we seldom need candles today for the light they afford, they brighten like nothing else."
Contact Robin Farmer at (804) 649-6312 or .