From Olive Oil Lamps To Hanukkah Candles

Online, December 14, 2011 (Newswire.com) - The Jewish festival of Hanukkah is celebrated from Dec 20th to Dec 28th to commemorate the victory of Maccabees over Antiochus. Legend has it that Maccabees wanted to thank the gods by lighting a lamp in the ancient temple of Jerusalem. He found only a small container of olive oil capable of lighting a lamp only for one (1) day. However, it was observed that the lamp miraculously burned for eight (8) continuous days with just one bottle of olive oil.

The Jews celebrates this festival of Hanukkah by lighting a candle on a Menorah for eight (8) continuous days. Originally people used olive oils to make their candles since the incident originally happened with olive oil. However, with the passage of time, people took to lighting candles known as Hanukkah candles. Hanukkah candles are often made with olive oil to keep up with the tradition of the festival. They burn much longer than normal candles and come with beautiful decoration which helps to complement the festive mood.

Lighting a Hanukkah candle is not an easy task. Care should be taken to ensure that these candles burn for a minimum of thirty (30) minutes. These candles are lit just before night fall in the presence of all family members. Since Hanukkah candles are only meant for viewing, it is advisable to place them in front of the house or in some open space.

A Hanukkah candle is burnt on a menorah, which is a stand to hold all the eight candles. The middle position is reserved for lighting the Shamash, which only plays the role of lighting the Hanukkah candles. On the first night, the rightmost candle is lighted using the Shamash. With the passage of each night, that many candles are added to the Menorah. Lighting of Hanukkah candles only marks the beginning of an eight (8) day long festival, which is celebrated in a grand way to seek the blessings of Almighty.