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Beeswax Candles
The Moravian candle tradition began in Germany in 1747, stemming from a Christmas Eve service where Bishop de Watteville gave children lit beeswax candles with red ribbons to symbolize Christ's pure body, the light of His salvation, and His shed blood, a practice that quickly became a beloved, deeply symbolic Moravian Christmas custom of hope and love, especially in America from the 1750s onward.
Origins & Symbolism (Europe)
The Beginning: In 1747, at Marienborn castle, Count Zinzendorf's followers held a Christmas Eve service where Bishop Johannes von Watteville used candles to teach children about Jesus.
Meaning of the Candle: The pure beeswax represented Christ's sinless body, the wick His spirit, and the flame His divine light.
The Red Ribbon: A red paper ruffle was added to symbolize the blood Christ shed for salvation, a "blood-red flame of love" ignited in believers' hearts.
Introduction to America
First Service: The tradition came to America with the Moravians, with the first recorded service in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in 1756.
Context of Peril: This first American service occurred during dangerous times, with refugees and threats, making the light and hope of the candles particularly meaningful.
The Candle Service Today
Lovefeast & Hymns: The candles are distributed during a special Christmas Eve Lovefeast service, often while singing the hymn "Morning Star, O Cheering Sight," filling the sanctuary with light and symbolizing Christ as the Light of the World.
Handmade Tradition: The candles are still handmade from beeswax, carefully molded with a red ruffle, preserving a centuries-old craft and spiritual practice.
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