Candles for the winter solstice are typically white or yellow.
The choice of candle colors for the winter solstice, often celebrated with traditions such as Yule, holds symbolic meaning related to the longest night of the year and the gradual return of light.
Symbolism of Solstice Candle Colors
- White Candles: Represent purity, new beginnings, and the pristine, snow-covered landscape of winter. They can also symbolize the increasing daylight hours following the solstice, bringing a sense of hope and renewal.
- Yellow Candles: Often signify the sun, warmth, and the promise of its return. This vibrant color connects to the anticipation of longer, brighter days and the revitalizing energy that the sun brings after the cold, dark depths of winter.
These solstice candles can be either plain or adorned with carvings, serving as powerful focal points during winter solstice celebrations and rituals. Their light illuminates the darkness, symbolizing the enduring hope for light and life even in the coldest season.
Incorporating Solstice Candles in Celebrations
Solstice candles are frequently used in:
- Altars and Displays: Placed on personal or communal altars to honor the season's turning point.
- Meditation and Reflection: Lit during quiet moments of contemplation on the cycles of nature and personal renewal.
- Rituals: Incorporated into various ceremonies to mark the passing of the longest night and welcome the returning light.
The use of white and yellow candles helps to create an atmosphere of warmth, introspection, and anticipation, aligning with the core themes of the winter solstice.