The Story of the Candle in the Window

Putting a candle in the window is a tradition that dates back to colonial times in America. People would place a candle in the window to welcome travelers at night, who would know there was someone at home, waiting for their safe return. The lighted candle came to represent the warmth of home and family.

Another origin for the candle in the window comes from Irish history, when Irish Catholics were persecuted for their religion and placed a candle in the window to welcome a priest to their door.

In both instances, a candle in the window became a symbol of hospitality, which it remains to this day.