Hanukkah, or the Festival of Lights, is a beautiful and meaningful celebration observed by Jews around the world for over two thousand years. The holiday honors the ancient Maccabees’ rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. A major part of the celebration involves lighting candles on a hanukkiah (menorah) throughout the eight days the holiday is observed. But what are these candles called and what do they represent?
The candles lit during Hanukkah are known as the “hanukkiyah” or, in the singular form, a “hanukkiah.” The candles are held in a special candelabrum, which is said to represent the miraculous menorah in the Temple in Jerusalem that stayed lit for eight days despite only having one day’s worth of oil. It was for this miracle that the eight days were observed to celebrate Hanukkah.
Table of Contents
The Hanukkiah Candles: What You Need to Know
How Many Candles Does a Hanukkiah Hold?
The traditional Hanukkah candelabrum, or hanukkiah, has space for nine candles, although a modern electric menorah can also be used during the holiday. Officially, only eight candles, or seven plus the “shamash” (a servant candle used to light all the other candles), can be lit for each night of Hanukkah.
What Kind of Candles Are Used?
The hanukkiah candles, also known more generally as “Hanukkah candles,” should ideally have the same shape, color, and size throughout the eight days of Hanukkah. Every candle should last for at least one and a half hours—the traditional amount of time it is meant to stay lit for. In order for the flames to burn longer, Hanukkah candles made from beeswax are generally preferred.
What Are the Traditions Involved With the Hanukkiah Candles?
Lighting Hanukkah candles is a solemn ritual that begins with the eldest person in the household reciting a blessing. The order of the candles lit should always begin with the shamash and proceed from right to left. People generally move around the hanukkiah in a clockwise direction participating in the lighting service each night. After the main Hanukkah prayer is complete, the person presiding over the ceremony says a special blessing in honor of the day. During the eight nights of Hanukkah, it is customary to serve food, sing songs, play games and exchange gifts.
The ancient Jewish tradition of lighting the hanukkiah candles has remained alive for thousands of years and is now an integral part of celebrating Hanukkah. The nine candles—or eight plus the shamash—represent the Maccabees’ victory and the miracle of the oil. The tradition serves as an important reminder of religious freedom, hope, faith, and the centrality of family traditions to the Jewish people.
Related Products:
- What Are The Hanukkah Candles Called?
- What Are The Candles For Hanukkah Called?
- In What Order Are Hanukkah Candles Lit?
- How Are The Hanukkah Candles Lit?
- How Many Candles Are Lit Tonight For Hanukkah?
- How Many Candles Are Lit Over The Eight Nights Of Hanukkah In Total?
- How Many Candles Are Lit During Hanukkah?
- During Hanukkah How Many Candles Are Lit?
- During Hanukkah How Long Are The Candles Lit?
- Which Direction Are Hanukkah Candles Lit?
- How Many Candles Are Lit For Hanukkah Today?
- What Are The Candles Called For Hanukkah?
- What Order Are Hanukkah Candles Lit?
- During Hanukkah How Many Days Are The Candles Lit?
- How Many Candles Are Lit On The First Night Of Hanukkah?
Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.