The candles used for Hanukkah are simply called Hanukkah candles. These special lights are placed in a nine-branched candelabra known as a Hanukkiah or Menorah to celebrate the miracle of the oil. Lighting them serves as a beautiful reminder of hope, perseverance, and dedication during the festival of lights.
When the winter nights grow long, there is no sight quite as warm and inviting as the flickering glow of a Menorah. If you are new to the tradition or just curious about the items you see in shop windows, you might find yourself asking: what are the candles for Hanukkah called? While they are most commonly referred to as Hanukkah candles, there is a deep layer of history and meaning behind these specific wax lights.
At their core, these are not just ordinary decorative items. If you have ever wondered about the physics of how a flame works, learning what is candle technology actually entails can help you appreciate why these specific tapered candles are chosen for the holiday. They are crafted to burn steadily so that the ritual can be performed with grace and ease.
Key Takeaways
- The Name: While often just called Hanukkah candles, they are specifically designed to fit the Menorah.
- The Vessel: The candelabra is called a Hanukkiah, which holds nine candles in total.
- The Helper: The center candle, known as the Shamash, is used to light all the other candles each night.
- Ritual Order: Candles are added from right to left but lit from left to right.
- Duration: These candles are meant to burn for at least 30 minutes after nightfall.
- Symbolism: Lighting the candles represents the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days instead of one.
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Understanding the Menorah and the Hanukkiah
Many people use the word “Menorah” to describe the candle holder, but the specific nine-branched version used during the festival is technically called a Hanukkiah. While a traditional ancient Menorah had seven branches, the Hanukkiah has nine. This design is essential for the holiday’s unique ritual.
The Role of the Shamash
The extra candle is called the Shamash, or “helper.” It sits in a separate, often elevated, position from the other eight candles. You use the Shamash to light the others because it is forbidden to use the light of the Hanukkah candles for practical purposes like reading or working; the light is only meant to be enjoyed and contemplated.
The Meaning Behind the Lights
The tradition commemorates a miracle. Long ago, the Maccabees reclaimed their Temple, but they only had enough pure oil to light the holy lamp for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight full days. Lighting the candles today keeps that story of hope alive in our homes.
Choosing Your Candles
When you head to the store, you will see boxes of brightly colored tapers. They come in various sizes and materials, usually paraffin or beeswax. Just like other household decor, you might wonder do candles go bad if you store them from year to year? Generally, if they are stored in a cool, dry place, they will remain ready for the next festival season.
What Are They Made Of?
If you have ever looked closely at the string in the center, you might ask what is candle wick made of? For these small tapers, the wicks are typically cotton. This ensures a clean, consistent burn that lasts for the required duration of the nightly prayers.
The Ritual of Lighting
The order of lighting is specific and intentional. Each night, you add one candle to the Hanukkiah starting from the right. However, you light them from left to right, starting with the newest candle added. This ritual is meant to be a joyous family experience that brings light into the darkest time of the year.
Conclusion
Now that you know what the candles for Hanukkah are called and the significance of the Shamash and the Hanukkiah, you can enjoy the holiday with a deeper connection to its roots. Whether you are lighting them for the first time or the fiftieth, these candles serve as a beautiful beacon of faith and history. Keep your candles trimmed and ready, and enjoy the radiant glow of the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the candle called that lights the others?
The middle or elevated candle is called the Shamash. Its specific purpose is to serve as a helper to ignite the other candles each night.
Why do we light eight candles?
We light candles for eight nights to commemorate the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days in the Temple. It serves as a reminder of perseverance.
Do the candles have to be a specific color?
No, there is no rule regarding color. You can use blue and white, multi-colored packs, or even beeswax candles, as long as they fit the candle holder properly.
How long should the candles burn?
According to tradition, the candles should burn for at least 30 minutes after nightfall. This ensures the miracle is visible to those outside the home.
Can I blow out the candles early?
It is generally preferred to let them burn out on their own. However, if safety is a concern, they can be extinguished after the required 30 minutes have passed.
Is it a Menorah or a Hanukkiah?
While often used interchangeably, a Menorah refers to a seven-branched candelabra, while the nine-branched version used specifically for Hanukkah is called a Hanukkiah.
