2007-12-25 18:00:07 · 4 answers · asked by bobe 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
This was such a great question.thanks bobe! i learn something new and interesting everyday!
2007-12-25 18:35:36 · answer #1 · answered by A.F.1 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, the placing of a lighted candle in the window of a house on Christmas Eve is still practised today. Primarily it was, and still is, a symbol of welcome to Mary and Joseph as they travelled looking for shelter. In Ireland they feel the candle should be lit by the youngest member of the household and only be extinguished by a girl bearing the name 'Mary'. To have no light meant that you shared the guilt of the Innkeeper at Bethlehem who said, "No Room"!
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The Irish also believe that if the principal candle in the home goes out for some reason during the Christmas season, it is a bad omen - possibly the death of the head of the household.
They feel good luck will come to the home where a fire is kept burning throughout the Christmas season.
2007-12-25 18:05:24 · answer #2 · answered by Kaye 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Most everything is right about Kaye's answer but the Mary person blowing it out is wrong.
It's meant to symbolize a safe-house for Mary and Joseph. This is evident in France, Britain, and America.
Anyone can light the candle but the candle should be visible from the street.
2007-12-25 18:18:08 · answer #3 · answered by Ashley A 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Because you get cold and you fall over things in the dark.
2007-12-25 18:11:20 · answer #4 · answered by brainstorm 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋