First want to mention a new (for me) Deli that I just visited this weekend: Pickles on 434 in Longwood. http://www.picklescatering.com/ check it out great sandwiches…..take out or eat in.
1891 West State Road,
434 Longwood Florida 32750 (407) 951-8662 (407) 951-8665
I was flipping through a Horizons Magazine lately and noted an article on the “Energy of Candes” and further “Many Religious Traditions: Votive candles are used to offer petitions to the divine.” So I decided to do a little look at candles.
“The control of fire by early humans was a turning point in the cultural aspect of human evolution that allowed humans to cook food and obtain warmth and protection. Making fire also allowed the expansion of human activity into the dark and colder hours of the night, and provided protection from predators and insects….Evidence of widespread control of fire dates to approximately 125,000 years ago and later.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Control_of_fire_by_early_humans
“The first candles were made without wicks but always some form of “Wax” Historians have found evidence that many early civilizations…developed wicked candles using waxes made from available plants and insects….Ancient Egyptian “candles” were torches made by soaking the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat …400BC, but these…are not considered “true” candles since they had no wick. ..The Chinese used whale fat to make candles …(259–210 BC) … In time, beeswax came into use 618-907 A.D…In Japan, candles were made of wax extracted from tree nuts. ” http://www.waxmelters.com/Tradition-History-Development-of-Candles-s/53.htm
“The ceremonial use of lights is found in the practice of many religions. Candles are extremely common and other forms of light, whether fire or other, are also used.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceremonial_use_of_lights
Candles and fires have been lit at mid-winter celebrations for thousands of years. http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/holydays/christmas_1.shtml
“Candies, use of, in divine service. There is no trace of their use (in Christian services) during the first three centuries; for Lactantius (250-330) says, ‘If they (the heathen) would contemplate that heavenly light which we call the sun, they will at once perceive how God has no need of their candles, who has Himself given so clear and bright a light for the use of man. … Is that man therefore to be thought in his senses, who presents the light of candles and torches as an offering to Him who is the Author and Giver of light?’ (Div. Inst., VI, 2.)”—Page 383. https://www.ministrymagazine.org/archive/1950/01/candles-at-church-rites
A few examples of current use:
“In the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, candles are required to be placed on or beside the altar, at least for the celebration of Mass. To the three elements of a lit altar candle, some writers attached a symbolism related to Jesus Christ: the beeswax or other material symbolizing his body, the wick his soul, and the flame his divinity. Also, the symbolism of prayer has been connected with candles; the burning flame of the candle represents the prayer that rises to God.”
Shabbat candles (Hebrew: נרות שבת) are candles lit on Friday nights before sunset to usher in the Jewish Sabbath. Lighting Shabbat candles is a rabbinically mandated law. Candle lighting is traditionally done by the woman of the household, but in the absence of a woman, it can be done by a man. After lighting the candles, the woman waves her hands over them, covers her eyes, and recites a blessing. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shabbat_candles
In Paganism “lighting a candle is an act of union with the Universal Light…in the Craft, candles are used for ‘Pro-Active Prayer’…” Horizons Magazine/August 2014
- What collectibles might you have around that could brighten your budget. check these out:
1960s Charlie Brown Candle $20.90
India Paper Mache Candle Stand Pair Hand Made $80.00
Anna Van Briggle Pair 1963 Candle Holders $240.75
“Using candles as therapy has been around for thousands of years, and has been practiced by nearly every religion. Candle therapy can be used to unite the powers of mind, body, and spirit. From ancient times to the present, Candles have lit our way through every transition! From celebrations and ceremonies to proclamations and processions! The candle’s flame has always been a metaphor for the soul! It possesses a tranquil and almost hypnotic atmosphere to those who allow its power to take them to a very special place.” http://www.peacefulmind.com/candle_therapy.htm
AND DON’T FORGET MY STORE BRINGS YOU THIS BLOG–THIS IS JUST ONE OF THE ITEMS ON IT–CLICK ABOVE TO CHECK IT OUT.
How far that little candle throws its beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world.—William Shakespeare