bayberry candle tradition
Jessica Young
Updated on June 21, 2026
Bayberry candles are usually olive green in color and have a nice scent that permeates the house. Bayberry candles have been in North America since Colonial times. This is likely why they were chosen, as they were a special treat during the holiday season. May this legend come true for you.
What time do you light bayberry candles?
The candle should be lit in the evening, when you see the first star appear in the sky. You should not extinguish the candle yourself (bad luck!); it should burn until after midnight down to the nub and go out on its own.
Can you burn a bayberry candle anytime?
You can work with bayberry at any time of the year, not just around the winter solstice.
What candle do you light on Christmas Eve?
Lighting candles on Christmas Eve, also known as “Heilige Nacht,” (Holy Night) is an ancient Christmas tradition. Typically, a big white candle is kept lit the entire night of Christmas Eve, signifying Christ, who is understood to be the “light of the world” (John 8:12, 9:5).
Why do people burn bayberry candles on Christmas?
These Bayberry tapers were a real treasure to the colonists who saved them for special occasions – it was a luxury to be saved and relished. Soon, it became tradition to burn your candles on Christmas or New Years Eve to bring blessings of abundance in the upcoming year.
What is the meaning of Burning a bayberry candle?
Lighting a bayberry candle is thought to bring good luck to your home in the new year. ( Jupiterimages / Getty Images) If you want to ensure good luck in the coming year, you may want to burn a bayberry candle.
Do bayberry candles have a scent?
The scent of bayberry candle wax is often said to be strong and full-bodied. This naturally aromatic wax possesses a unique fragrance that has become a classic holiday scent.
What do bayberry candles smell like?
Bayberry is also delightfully fragrant, but only up close. You can’t find bayberry by following the fragrance to its source as you might a rose, wild grapes or even witch hazel. You must crush one of its berries in your fingers or rub one of its leaves under your nose to appreciate its peppery scent.
Why do the Irish put candles in the window?
Catholic priests often visited homes in secrecy to bless a family and to say Mass. Irish Catholic families hoped that at some time in their lifetime a priest might visit on Christmas Eve to celebrate Mass with them. By lighting a candle in the window they signaled to any passing priest that this was a Catholic home.
Why do Amish put candles in windows?
Why Do Amish Put Candles in Windows? The Amish put candles in windows, too. This tradition is like that of the Irish. The Amish light the candles in their windows as part of their celebration and recognition of the Holy night of Christmas Eve when Jesus was born.