What makes Hanukkah special?
Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights and it remembers the rededication of the second Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, in Israel. This happened in the 160s BCE/BC (before Jesus was born). (Hanukkah is the Hebrew and Aramaic word for ‘dedication’.)
Why are there 9 nights of Hanukkah?
Eight candles symbolize the number of days that the Temple lantern blazed; the ninth, the shamash, is a helper candle used to light the others. Families light one candle on the first day, two on the second (and so on) after sundown during the eight days of Hanukkah, while reciting prayers and singing songs.
How many candles are on a 7 or 9 menorah?
A seven branch menorah must be part of every Jewish home and lit as sign of enlightenment and symbol to temple menorah. A Kosher Hanukah menorah is when 8 candle holders are in one line with a ninth Shamash, out of placed in height or position on the 9 branched menorah.
What does the Bible say about lighting candles?
The Bible does not order or forbid lighting a candle, except for idolatry or witchcraft, when it is a sin. Sailing has no special power. Using candles for lighting or decoration is not a sin.
Why are candles lit for the dead?
The ritual of lighting a candle to pay tribute to a life ‘passed’ has long been a part of our culture. Keeping a light burning in remembrance signifies that the memory still lives on and burns bright. It is a ritual that promotes reflection and signifies remembrance.
What is the symbolism of lighting a candle?
The candle symbolizes light in the darkness of life especially individual life, illlumination; it is the symbol of holy illumination of the spirit of truth. Lit in times of death, they signify the light in the next world, and they represent Christ as the light. Purification and cleansing closely related.
What does the candle of hope mean?
A green candle, symbolizing faith, is lit on the first Sunday that begins on November 15; on the second Sunday, a blue candle, symbolizing hope, is lit; on the third Sunday, a gold candle, symbolizing love; on the fourth Sunday, a white candle, symbolizing peace; on the fifth Sunday, a purple candle, symbolizing …
Which Advent candle is lit first?
The first candle is lit each night along with a short prayer. On the second Sunday of Advent, a second purple candle is lit. On the third Sunday the pink candle is lit. Finally on the fourth Sunday of Advent, just a few days before the birth of Christ, the final purple candle is lit.
What is the correct order of the Advent candles?
Light the pink candle on the third Sunday to represent joy. Light the first 2 purple candles, then light your pink candle as well.
What color candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent?
rose
Why is 3rd Advent candle pink?
Pink or rose represents joy or rejoicing and reveals a shift in the season of Advent away from repentance and toward celebration. The third Advent candle color on the wreath is pink. It is named the shepherd candle or candle of joy.
Why is the pink candle lit on the third Sunday?
In my parish, we use three purple candles with a pink candle lit on the Third Sunday of Advent. The Third Sunday has traditionally been a respite from the penitential themes of Advent emphasizing instead the joy of the coming of the Lord. Thus many view the pink candle as emphasizing joy.
What does the pink candle stand for?
When considering candle magic spells and colors, pink is a soft, romantic color, and pink candles are used to represent love, harmony, friendship, affection, romance, and femininity. In magical terms, the color pink is often associated with the Greek goddess Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty.
What do you say when lighting Advent candles?
Lord God, let your blessing come upon us as we light the candles of this wreath. May the wreath and its light be a sign of Christ’s promise to bring us salvation. May he come quickly and not delay. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
What is the name of the pink candle?
The Shepherd’s Candle The third candle which is pink or rose, represents Gaudette Sunday and the joy that the birth of Christ brought to the world. Traditionally, on Gaudette Sunday one takes a break from Advent fasting to experience the joy of the day.
What is the traditional color of Advent?
colour purple
Why is purple the color for Lent?
Tyrian purple was associated with royalty. It is also appropriately known as “royal purple.” The color was largely a status symbol as purple dye was the most painstaking and expensive to produce and therefore purple-dyed fabric was prohibitively expensive for anyone else.
Why is the color purple the color of Advent?
The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming”. The colour associated with Advent is purple, which in ancient times was the colour of royalty because purple dye was costly and rare. So the liturgical colour of Advent is a symbol of looking forward to welcoming the coming of a King.
What are the 4 themes of Advent Catholic?
The four traditional advent themes for the four advent Sundays are:
- God’s people -The Candle of Hope. Hope is like a light shining in a dark place.
- The old testament prophets – The Candle of Peace.
- John the Baptist – The Candle of Love.
- Mary the mother of Jesus – The Candle of Joy.
What is the 4th Sunday of Advent called?
The last purple candle is called the “Angels Candle,” It is lit on the fourth Sunday of Advent and represents peace. Traditionally, on Christmas Eve, the white center candle is lit. This “Christ Candle” represents the life of Jesus Christ that has come to light the world.
How is advent different from Lent?
Like Lent, Advent is a time for prayer and fasting for some of the faithful. However, Advent differs from Lent because Lent focuses on repentance and forgiveness while Advent is about expectation and hope.