Celebrating the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah, for eight days and eight nights, is a significant part of Jewish history. In Hanukkah, people light a special menorah, a nine-branched candelabrum. The candles on the menorah have symbolic meaning, each representing an aspect of the history and tradition of Hanukkah.
The menorah is lit over the course of eight days and nights to remember the miracle of the oil. On each night of the holiday, another candle is added until all 8 candles are lit. The ninth and center candle, known as the shamash (“helper”) is used to light the other 8 candles each evening.Table of Contents
The Meaning Behind Each Candle in Hanukkah
The First Candle on Hanukkah
The first candle is lit on the first night of Hanukkah with the shamash. It is a reminder of the first miracle of Hanukkah, when a single day’s worth of oil lasted for 8 days and nights.
The Second and Third Candles
On the second night, two candles are lit, one for the second night and one to recall the first night. This pattern of adding another candle each night continues, with the third night’s candles representing the first and second nights.
The Remaining Candles
Every additional candle adds another night of Hanukkah to the menorah. Each candle symbolizes the courage and faith of the Jewish people; their undying devotion to their faith despite tremendous odds and under threat of suppression.
Symbolic Significance of the Menorah
The menorah is a symbol of hope and faith; each of the eight glowing flames represents the triumph of a people’s devotion against all odds, and is an ever-present reminder of the power of that faith.
Today, Hanukkah is celebrated by Jews around the world with the lighting of menorahs, family gatherings, gifts, feasts of traditional foods, and much more. By lighting the candles of the menorah, families can share in the miracle of Hanukkah and recall the deep faith and courage of their people. Celebrating Hanukkah with the menorah can bring families closer together and help us remember our religious history, making it a perennial holiday favorite.
Hanukkah is a time of celebration and remembrance, and the candles of the menorah help us recognize the miracle and courage of the Jewish faith. By lighting the candles, we not only honor our past, but can bring out the light within ourselves and each other; a lasting reminder of the message of the Festival of Lights.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.