The tradition of placing candles in windows dates back to 1171 and the practice has survived to this day, although for very different reasons.
Nowadays, placing Christmas candles or candle bridges on a windowsill has become more decorative.
Candles are the perfect decoration to give a soft warm glow, and with some styles you can even place them on your Christmas tree.
Candle bridges have been a key symbol of Christmas for as long as we can remember, but where did the tradition originate? Back in the 18th century, before the benefits of electricity we're used to today, Saxony miners would spend the majority of winter in complete darkness. Their working day finished long after the sun had set and so, quite often, the miners would get lost on their way home. To help guide them safely, their family would put candle bridges in the windows. The arch shape is believed to have represented the night sky and the candles were meant to symbolise the miners, longing for daylight in the wintertime.
Although traditionally of mining industry origin, it has become common practice to illuminate the home with a candle bridge in the window all over the world, to this day. Candle bridges come in a variety of designs, styles and colours and, although the candles are now battery-powered, they all have the same effect as those used back in the 18th century. For candles to accompany the bridges, check out our battery powered candle selection.
