What was the spiritual symbolism to using capers in Italian christmas?

Question

In Italy, during christmas-time, they used capers (long slender candles), what was the idea behind this?

Answer 1

Tapers is the word you mean. Capers are small pickled berries used in salads.

As far as I know, the tapers symbolize Christ as the "light of the world," though early Christmas celebrations often did kind of merge with other traditions, such as Santa Lucia, a saint's day that is a festival of light, traditionally celebrated on December 6th.

St. Jerome said candles were a way to express Christian joy. Many see them as a symbol of Christ, the Light of the World. Legends tell us that candles in windows guide the Christ Child as he wanders from house to house on Christmas Eve. They have also been used to symbolized the stars in the sky, particularly the Sun in the pagan tradition, and the "Star of Wonder" in the Christian. Candles, as well as bonfires, helped to drive away the forces of cold and darkness, since this was the time when the sun ceased to wane and began to grow stronger and brighter. Wax tapers were given as gifts at the Roman festival of Saturnalia. the Advent candles reflect the dawning season and remind us of the coming Light. The addition of lighted candles to the paradise tree marked the birth of our most beloved Christmas tree.