Christmas is a season rich in tradition. From the mistletoe to the candy cane, they all have their place in Christmas history - even the Christmas candle. We use candles for many occasions - birthdays, weddings, and sometimes just to create a desired atmosphere. But there is a tradition behind Christmas candles that goes further than most familiar decorative items.

Through the centuries, candles have been offered as gifts and used to dispel the darkness. The first use of candles at Christmas was believed to be during the Roman festival of Saturnalia. Tall tapers of wax were given as gifts to guests and offered to the god Saturn as a symbol of his light. The Pagans also used candles during their Yuletide festivities. Candlelight and bonfires were used as symbols of the sun, and a farewell to the past seasons as well as a welcome to the beginning of a new cycle of seasons.

As Christianity spread, candles were placed in the front window to guide the Christ Child as he wandered from house to house on Christmas Eve. In some parts of Europe, this tradition still continues. In Sweden, St. Lucia is still celebrated with the youngest girl in the family wearing (or carrying) a crown of small lit tapers.

Candles also play a significant role in other traditions of the season, including Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Yule, and Candlemas. Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights. During Hanukkah a special eight-branched candelabrum, or menorah, is slowly lit over eight days.

Kwanzaa's central practice is the lighting of the Mishumaa (Seven Candles) which signifies each of the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles).

Although Candlemas was originally a Pagan festival to celebrate purification, Christians now celebrate it on February 2nd, the 40th day after Christmas. It is a day representing and honoring Christ and Mary's purification.

During the Victorian era, candles were used on Christmas trees and were considered a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem. Often, various merchants and tradesmen would give a bundle of pine-oil-perfumed tapers, tied together with ribbon, as gifts to their loyal patrons.

Today, scented candles continue to enhance Christmas. Pine, cinnamon, and gingerbread spice are among the most popular of the scented candles over recent years. Even small tea-lights help to spread the wonderful smells of potpourri.

Christmas dinner isn't the same without a couple of candles burning. Fringed with small wreaths or majestically standing in heirloom candlesticks, their warm glow cradles the faces of family and friends; and adds brilliance to the golden hue of a table laden heavy with the Christmas feast. This Christmas, continue the tradition of candles in your décor. Enjoy their colors, aromas, and glow as they add a touch of magic to a wonderful time of year.