Hanukkah Candles: Hanukkah, Most Cherished Festival, History, Hanukkah Candles, and Know About 3 Important Blessings.
Hanukkah is the most celebrated and cherished festival, this festival is mostly celebrated by Jewish people. Hanukkah is a festival of lights, Jewish people light up candles known as Hanukkah candles, the Hanukkah candles Number is 8. In this article, we will focus on many topics, including history and, the true meaning of Hanukkah candles, Hanukkah candle Numbers, how to decorate and order Hanukkah candles, and we will also know about the reason behind the celebration of the Hanukkah festival.
History Behind Hanukkah Festival
Hanukkah Festival can be more precisely explained as the festival of lights. Hanukkah festival is also known as Chanukah, which is celebrated in the winter season by Jewish people. The true meaning of Hanukkah is dedication, and the holidays depicts the role of the rededication of the temple. It is believed that by lightning Hanukkah candles we can bring light and happiness in the dark winter nights.
In the past, the candles were lit up with sacred oil, and till now the candles with that same oil to maintain tradition and custom. In the past, sacred oil was the oil that was present in small amounts that could only burn for up to 1 night, but that oil lightened up to 8 days.
The reason behind Hanukkah Candles
Hanukkah Festival represents the rededication of the Second Temple after the victory of the Jewish people over the invading Seleucids in 164 BCE. Back then in the 2nd century when their temple was being destroyed and captured by Seleucids, after that time Jewish people started lighting up Hanukkah Candles.
The Hanukkah candle stand comprises 9 stands, and 8 candle spaces are there, each for 8 days. Each day one candle is light up and at the, end all 8 candles are lightened up.
Believe Behind Hanukkah Festival
In jewish teaching, it is explained that the temple was looted and destroyed by the invaders, there was only 1 jar of temple oil left, which could only burn from 1 night, but the lamb was lit up straight for up to eight days. This miracle was observed and seen by all the jewish people, which lead people amazed and overjoyed.
After that time people started celebrating this miracle as Hanukkah Festival every year for eight days. They started Celebrating the Hanukkah festival by lighting up Hanukkah Candles.
Representation of Hanukkah Candles
Hanukkah is the festival of lights and this festival is celebrated by lighting up 8 candles day by day, as the day increases we increase the number of candles. The Hanukkah candle stand contains a place for 8 candles, on each passing day we increase the quantity of lightened candle. One day one 1 candle is lightened, and on day 2 two candles are lightened simultaneously this continues.
How Hanukkah Candles are made?
Hanukkah candles are the main component of the festival, the festival is celebrated by enlightening candle. These candles are made up of wax and they come in several colors and designs. Hanukkah candles are just like simple candles, made up of wax. One can choose candles according to their likes and interest, one can explore and search for candles according to their interest.
Name of Hanukkah Candles?
The candles that are burned in the Hanukkah festival do not have any special name, they are simple candles which can be used for other purposes too. Hanukkah candles are represented as Hanukkah candles because they are used in this festival and nothing else.
In Hebrew they are known as nerot, nerot in Hebrew means candle, therefore it can be noted that Hanukkah candles do not have any special name, they are just Known as candles.
How do Hanukkah candles look like?
Hanukkah candles are available in different sizes and colors, they can be of any shape, size,e, and design. People now a days get a huge variety of candles, they are available in beautiful designs, patterns, and colors. They are just normal candles used in the festival, but it is an important aspect when we see it through an emotional point of view.
Why are Hanukkah Candles Colorful?
Candles are available in every color, they are colorless too, but people prefer colorful candles over colorless candles. People choose colorful candles to enhance the look. Jewish people believe that it should be represented beautifully and choosing colorful candles is they simplest way of doing that.
One can use any color as per their interest but the most common colors used in Hanukkah candles are blue and white as they represent the symbol of Judaism and the State of Israel.
Where to Buy Hanukkah Candles?
Hanukkah candles are easily available at local vendors and local shops. One can easily get candles at any grocery or any aesthetic shop. Candles are also available online, one can find candles by typing candles on the search bar of any online shopping page and a variety of candles will be shown.
There are separate online pages for candles you can consult or join them to explore more and get better quality of candles. Some prefer to buy online while others choose to buy it through the shops. While shopping online we get a wide variety of candles, but shopping through local vendors increases security and satisfaction in terms of quality.
How Hanukkah Stand is Maintained?
There are several types of Hanukkah stand, varying in size, color and design. Hanukkah stands can be different in appearance but its main property must be fulfilled that is all candles holes are present in the same line and with the same gap between all the candles.
In some stands, there is a place or design where no candle is placed, on both the left and right sides equal number of candle holes are placed. On the right side of the stand, there is a place for 4 candles and on the left of the stan,d there is a place for 4 candles.
Some prefer to add all the candles on the same day and light them up on the other in the coming days whereas some prefer to add the candles when their lighting time arrives. Some add 2 candles on the very first day and then simultaneously add candles on the next day.
The candles in the stand are placed left to right, on the day one we will place the candle on the left most side and then gradually move towards the right side of the stand. The stand is placed near the window, and is placed left to right.
Reason for each Hanukkah candle
As we know there are eight candles, each candle is placed at the same level and height, and all eight candles are of the same shape and color. Candles are lightened up day by day, each day comes with new happiness and blessings.
There are different blessings for different candles and days. Hanukkah festival is celebrated for 8 days, each day has different blessings and reasons. Let us know about the meaning of lighting each candle according to the day.
Before lighting up the candle, Jewish people seek 2 blessings for every light. The above mentioned are the 2 blessings that they regularly follow before lighting up the candle. The blessing depicts the love and affection towards the God for the happy and phosphorus life.
First blessing
Before burning the candle, the first blessing they say is, that people thank God for creating the world. People thank God for making rules and providing rules to people to make one live more peaceful and special. People thank God for providing us the privilege to lighten up the candles.
Second blessing
Before lighting the candle, the second blessing which people say is, people thank the creator of our world for helping our elders and ancestors for saving their lives by showing the miracle. People thank God for showing up for the miracle by lighting the candles for straight eight days with a minimum amount of oil.
Blessing 3
On the very first night, people thank god for proving this much satisfied and sufficient life. People thank god for keeping us and our family alive. People thank god for providing a phosphorus life with the availability of foods and clothes. People consider themselves fortunate to be able to lighten up the candles for eight days.
Where to place Hanukkah candles?
There is no strict rule to place Hanukkah candles, but it is believed that they should be placed near windows so that it could be visible to everyone. They are are placed on windows so that every passing one can see and enjoy the beauty of Hanukkah candles.
There is a special thing about the stand and representation of candles, the place is placed from right to left but is lit up from left to right. this happens just like in the Hebrew language, as the jewish people Hebrew language, their language is written from right to left but we read it from left to right.
When to light the candles?
Hanukkah candles lighten up after the sun goes down, they lighten up at dark that is at night. They are lit up in the dark to spread the brightness and light in the country and everyone’s life. There are some exceptions in the theory of candles, there is a Shabbat which overlaps with Hanukkah days.
As Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days, there always a situation came when Shabbat overlaps with Hanukkah. When Shabbat overlaps, on that day Hanukkah candles are lit up before the Shabbat candle and when Shabbat ends the candle is lit up after the sun goes down.
Lighting up the candle before sunset and dark is only forbidden on the day of Shabbat, else everyone is supposed to lighten up the candle after the goes got down, and when it is dark.
How do Jewish People Celebrate Hanukkah Festival?
Jews enjoy their most precious festival by following these many steps. Let us have a look at the things they do to make their festival memorable.
Purchase candles and a Hanukkah Stand
People purchase candles from local vendors or stores and choose candles according to their interests. People joyfully purchase a Hanukkah stand, the stand can be of any design but the key point is that it should have 8 holes of the same depth and height. The candle stand should be of the same size and the distance between the candle’s holes should be the same.
In simple words all the candles should be in the same alignment, all 8 candles should be placed orderly, 4 on the right side the of stand and 4 on the left side of the stand. After the purchase of a candle and stand they place it in a highly visible area, it is advised to keep it near the window so that every passing by can have a view on it.
Seek blessing before lighting a candle
In Hebrew, there are 3 blessings that they seek before lighting the candle. All the blessings they sang every night before lighting the candle, the blessing included gratitude and thanks.
In blessing, they thank god for providing a sustainable and happy life, they thank god for showing miracle to the ancient people, and by saving their lives, they thank god for the life they have provided to them and their families.
Make delicious foods
To celebrate Hanukkah, oily foods are made to showcase the oil miracle that ned past and hen, and dairy products foods are enjoyed during Hanukkah. Wines are served during the Hanukkah to have a peaceful night.
When Hanukkah is celebrated?
Hanukkah is celebrated for straight 8 days in December according to the jewish calendar. Hanukkah is celebrated during the winter days, the candles are lit during the dark winter days to display light and brightness through it.
Hanukkah will start at midnight on December 25, 2024, and end with nightfall on January 2, 2025. They are celebrated for eight days, it will be celebrated from 25 of the year 2024 to 2 of the year 2025.
Foods made during Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is the most cherish festival therefore people love to make delicious food and enjoy their eight-day holiday with yummy foods and blessings. Hanukkah is celebrated during the holiday therefore people get more change to invest their time in making and experimenting with new dishes. Here is a list of some traditional and often made dishes during the Hanukkah festival.
As the Hanukkah festival is made due to the miracle of oil therefore oily foods are enjoyed during the Hanukkah festival. Doughnuts are enjoyed a lot by the middle ages, as some prefer to avoid oil therefore doughnuts are the best option for them. The most classic and traditional food enjoyed during the Hanukkah is potato pancakes. Dairy products during Hanukkah are compulsory, wines aare also served during the festival.
Conclusion
Hanukkah festival is the Jewish people’s festival, this festival is celebrated during the December time, during the winter days. According to the Hebrew calendar, Hanukkah is celebrated for straight 8 days, in the year 2024, it will be celebrated from 24 Dec of 2024 to 2nd January 2025.
HanThe ukkah festival is celebrated by lighting up the Hanukkah Candles on the Hanukkah menorah. The Hanukkah menorah contains 8 places for Hanukkah candles at the same distance. Hanukkah festival is enjoyed by seeking blessings a healthy life and by consuming oily foods as Hanukkah festival is celebrated due to the oil miracle.
Frequently asked questions about Hanukkah candles (FAQs)
Many wonder about the Hanukkah festival, how it is celebrated or the reason behind the celebration, all the doubts regarding this will be cleared in this section. Here is the list of frequently asked questions about the Hanukkah Candles, do check this section to learn about the most important component of the Hanukkah festival.
1. What are Hanukkah candles?
Hanukkah candles are the most important component of the Hanukkah festival, Hanukkah festival is celebrated by lighting up the Hanukkah candles. There are eight candles which are lit up gradually, as the day forwards the number of lighten candle increases.
2. How Hanukkah Candle is made?
Hanukkah candles are just like normal candles, these candles are made up of wax and are made just like the other normal candles.
3. Why Hanukkah Candles are colorful?
Hanukkah Candles are made colorful to make it look adorable, Hanukkah candles can be of any color and shape. People usually prefer blue and white candles as they represent peace and represent the lag of Hebrew.
4. What is the number of Hanukkah Candles in the Hanukkah menorah?
The number of candles are fixed in the Hanukkah menorah, as the Hanukkah celebration continues for eight days eight candles are placed in the menorah. The In Hanukkah menorah there are separate places for each candle, each candle is burned on a specific day. There are Separate candles for each, and each day amount of light candles is increased.
5. How to order Hanukkah Candles?
There are many specialized pages and websites for Hanukkah candles, you can place orders through that specialized website if you want those. Another simple way is that you can order normal candles from the any website, they are available everywhere. To order just type Hanukkah candles on the search bar of the website and you will get several candles to explore.
6. How Hanukkah Candle stand is structured?
Hanukkah candle stand is made in an appropriate and structured way, it has a place for 8 candles, and each candle is placed at the same distance. The stand is made in such a way that hat equal number of candles can be placed at the right and left sides.
7. How Hanukkah Candle lighting is done?
Hanukkah candle are placed from right to left but are lit from left to right. They are done just like the Hebrew writing, the Hebrew is written from right to left but we read it from left to right.
8. What is the name of Hanukkah Candles?
There is no special name of Hanukkah Candle, they are just known as Hanukkah candles because they are used during the Hanukkah festival. In Hebrew, they are known as nirot which means candle.