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How did the Candles in the Windows get Started?

By Joan Cox

Real Estate Broker/Owner with House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 DRE# ER40011786

December 18, 2017 07:11 AM

Do you know where the custom of placing lit candles in windows started? 🕯🕯🕯

It started with Irish Catholics who were prosecuted by Protestant British conquerors. In Christmas time, every Irish Catholic family would leave their doors unlocked so a priest would come and visit their home to receive the sacraments. To lead him to their houses, they would leave either one candle in each window, or three candles in one window as a signal. When the British became suspicious, the families told them the candles are for Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus to find their way to their houses if they’re looking for a place to lodge in. When the Irish immigrated, the custom spread everywhere in America. 🕯🕯

Do you put candles or lights in your windows for the Holiday season?

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Joan Cox

House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO

Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Grant, you were closer than I was, good job!

Dec 19, 2017 08:17 AM

Joan Cox

House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO

Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Nina, I don't have lights or candles in my windows.

Dec 19, 2017 08:18 AM

Joan Cox

House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO

Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Elizabeth, that could be a very good reason not to have candles in the windows!

Dec 19, 2017 09:06 AM

Joan Cox

House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO

Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Debe, I stumbled across this tradition, and thought it was very interesting, and I had no idea either.

Dec 19, 2017 09:07 AM

Joan Cox

House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO

Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Sheri, it is a cool tradition, and had no idea either. Maybe it is more prevalent on the East Coast.

Dec 19, 2017 09:07 AM

Joan Cox

House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO

Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Debbie, that is interesting, I see none around here year-long.

Dec 19, 2017 09:08 AM

Joan Cox

House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO

Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Kathy, we had the plug-in ones growing up too. I had some also, not sure what happened to them.

Dec 19, 2017 09:08 AM

Joan Cox

House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO

Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Sally, I can see that, my kitties love the sills too.

Dec 19, 2017 09:09 AM

Joan Cox

House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO

Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Amanda S. Davidson I wonder how many put candles in their windows, but do not know the meaning. SO enjoyed talking with you too my dear. Merry Christmas!

Dec 19, 2017 09:10 AM

Amanda S. Davidson

Alexandria, VA

Amanda S. Davidson

Merry Christmas <3

Dec 19, 2017 11:14 AM

Joan Cox

House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO

Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Gabe Sanders I think that is a very good possibility!

Dec 19, 2017 09:10 AM

Gabe Sanders

Stuart, FL

Bob Crane

Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI

Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Hi Joan, Thanks for sharing this interesting story. When our children were young, we tried to keep a light in every window...haven't done it for several years. Maybe it's time to start again.

Dec 19, 2017 08:30 PM

Kat Palmiotti

eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT

Helping your Montana dreams take root

This is very interesting information! I had no idea. Thank you for sharing.

Dec 20, 2017 03:15 AM

Barbara Todaro

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA

Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

this is actually the first year I did not put candles in every window.... I have battery operated candles that are timed to come on at dusk and shut at dawn....

Dec 20, 2017 03:53 AM

Sheila Anderson

Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ

The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Joan. I always have candles (battery operated) in my windows just because I like the look. Now I get the history. TY and Merry Christmas.

Dec 20, 2017 06:57 AM

Joan Cox

House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO

Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Bob, I know I have had the plug-ins type of candles in my windows too, but never knew the history behind it!

Dec 20, 2017 08:37 AM

Joan Cox

House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO

Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Kat, when I saw this information, I thought the same thing!

Dec 20, 2017 08:37 AM

Joan Cox

House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO

Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Barbara, when I had plug-in Candles in my windows, they were on a timer too.

Dec 20, 2017 08:38 AM

Joan Cox

House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO

Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Sheila, I like the look too, and what the tradition I grew up with!

Dec 20, 2017 08:38 AM

Joan Cox

House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO

Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Now we all know how this all started!

Dec 21, 2017 08:54 AM

Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES

Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL

Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

Joan, thank you for the explanation, I knew about the custom but not its origin.

Jan 17, 2018 04:46 AM

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How did the Candles in the Windows get Started?

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