Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah is celebrated by lighting candles on a menorah, a nine-branched candelabrum, with one candle lit on the first night, two on the second, and so on, until all eight candles are lit on the eighth night.
Traditional Colors
The traditional colors used for Hanukkah candles are blue and white. This tradition stems from the colors of the tallit (prayer shawl) worn during prayer services. The stripes on the tallit are blue, representing heavens and spirituality, while the white represents purity and light.
Blue and white are also the colors of the Israeli flag, connecting the Hanukkah tradition to Israel. As Hanukkah celebrates the victory of the Maccabees over the Greeks and the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem, the blue and white candles also symbolize Jewish nationalism and identity.
Any Color is Acceptable
While blue and white are the traditional and most common colors used, any color candles are acceptable for Hanukkah. Some families may opt for all white candles, others use rainbow colors, and some add their own creative flair by using candles decorated with glitter, sequins, or designs.
Many Jewish families include their children in picking out and decorating the Hanukkah candles each year. Allowing creativity and customization makes the candle lighting a more engaging experience for young ones.
Different Colors for Each Night
Some families choose to use candles of different colors for each of the eight nights of Hanukkah. This enables them to represent different aspects of the holiday:
| Night | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blue | Heavens, spirituality |
| 2 | White | Purity, light |
| 3 | Silver | Preciousness, value |
| 4 | Gold | Royalty, wealth |
| 5 | Red | Sacrifice, courage |
| 6 | Orange | Vitality, creativity |
| 7 | Green | Nature, renewal |
| 8 | Purple | Nobility, inspiration |
Using candles of different colors each night creates a rainbow effect over the course of the holiday and allows each night to take on special significance.
Incorporate Hanukkah Themes and Symbols
Candle colors can also be chosen to represent key themes and symbols of the Hanukkah story:
- Blue: Faith, constancy
- White: Purity, light
- Silver: Miracles, dedication
- Gold: Royalty, divinity
- Green: Nature, renewal
- Red: Sacrifice, courage
- Orange: Religious freedom, tolerance
- Purple: Spirituality, nobility
Incorporating meaningful colors and symbols into the candles makes the candle lighting ceremony each evening more purposeful.
Consider Scented Candles
Scented Hanukkah candles are another popular option, adding the dimension of fragrance to the candle lighting ritual. Traditional scents include vanilla, cinnamon, pine, apple, and honey. Scented candles infuse the home with comforting aromas reminiscent of the holidays.
If using scented candles, be sure to select high quality candles that burn cleanly. Avoid candles with overpowering scents that could irritate respiratory issues or allergies. Natural beeswax or soy candles are recommended over paraffin.
Make Your Own DIY Candles
For a hands-on family activity, make your own custom designed Hanukkah candles! All you need is candle wax, coloring agents, essential oils (optional), wicks, and candle molds or containers. Soy or beeswax are easy to work with at home.
Let the kids help add colors and scents they love to create one-of-a-kind candles. Decorative elements like glitter, sequins, dried flowers, or designs can be embedded right into the wax too. Homemade candles also make great Hanukkah gifts!
Safety First
Whenever burning candles, safety should be the top priority. Follow these tips:
- Place menorah on a stable, nonflammable surface away from curtains or other fabrics.
- Never leave burning candles unattended.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Have a container of water or fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies.
- Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to avoid flare-ups.
- Make sure candles are fully extinguished after the requisite time before leaving the room.
Conclusion
The possibilities are endless when it comes to the colors and designs of Hanukkah candles! While blue and white remain the traditional choice, feel free to get creative with different colors, scents, and decorative elements to make the candle lighting meaningful for your family. Just be sure to keep fire safety in mind. With so many options, you can develop new traditions and make each Hanukkah unique and memorable.
