Candles in Religious Ceremonies

The MAG 12/22

EDITORIAL by Cristina Morozzi

After the first primitive fires began illuminating the darkness, candles were introduced, after which oil, gas and electric lamps slowly made their debuts. But candles have always maintained their charm with their soft light, and they are still a part of ceremonies in churches and religious processions, especially in Greek and Orthodox churches.

On August 15 in Folegandros, a small island in the Greek archipelago, a long procession of flickering lights winds at vespers to the Orthodox monastery at the top of the hill. At Saint Isaac’s Cathedral in Saint Petersburg, Russia, there are banquets where you can buy long, thin candles to be lit under portraits of saints and that make the gold frames glow. And there are endless beautiful versions of the Menorah, or seven-branched candelabrum which is one of the oldest symbols of the Jewish faith.

Using candles to light spaces continues to have decorative appeal, as if it were the ideal counterpoint to the neon lights and signs of stores, and the bright lighting of stadiums, ensuring the poetic nature of soft lighting, as described in the 1933 essay on Japanese aesthetics In Praise of Shadows by Japanese author Jun'ichirō Tanizaki.

And although there are numerous types of garland and lights to choose from as decorations on Christmas trees this holiday season or in our windows, if you want a charming, cozy look, opt to decorate with candles with their flickering brightness.

If you want to add the warm look of candles to your home for Christmas, Hanukkah or other festivities, Design Italy offers a wide selection of candles and candle holders to adorn your table and create a welcoming, cheerful ambience, including pieces like colorful candle FLAME TORTA by Missoni Home or glass candle holder FIAMMA by Paola C.