Candles for Christmas Eve
Lighting candles on Christmas Eve is a tradition for many faiths and families, but in Finland lighting candles in memory of those who have passed on is a deep-rooted tradition.
If you live in a cold climate, you can make your own ice candles by partially freezing water in a bucket or pail until the outside is fully frozen. Depending on the temperature, the buckets of water are placed outside overnight.
After the water is frozen all around the outer shell, you make a hole on the top and drain any leftover water. Add some hot water around the edge of the bucket to pop out the hollow cylinder.
Place a candle inside the ice cylinder. Any size works including tea lights, votives, or pillars. Place the ice candle in the snowbank or on a frozen walkway, light at dusk, and enjoy the glow.
Finns bring ice candles and lanterns to the graves of loved ones on Christmas Eve, and cemeteries shine in a beautiful sea of light. The light serves as a reminder that the memory of the loved one will live on, even as years pass and new generations continue holiday traditions.
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Photos courtesy EarthPhoto, Shigeyoshi Noto, @annaliivia, Heikki Saukkomaa/Lehtikuva.