Did you recently hear the word Christingle? Do you know the meaning? Christingle is a symbolic way to celebrate the Christian faith. Dating back to the mid-1700s, Christingle was part of a German worship service. The minister gave the children a lighted candle with a red ribbon.
In the late 1960s, Christingles became popular in England. Generally, Christingle services are held the week before or part of Christmas Eve services. Making a Christingle is simple. However, each piece has a specific meaning.
Items Needed:
- Orange: The base of the Christingle is an orange or tangerine representing the whole world.
- White Candle: Standing tall and straight, the white candle represents God giving light to the world.
- Red Ribbon: Tying the ribbon around the orange, represents the blood of Jesus and dying on the cross.
- Four Skewers or Toothpicks: The four toothpicks represent North, South, East, and West. They also represent the four changing seasons.
- Pieces of Dried Fruits: In addition to dried fruit, you can use nuts, miniature marshmallows, and sweets. The items represent the fruits of the Earth.
Along with the above items, you will need tin foil. The foil is only to prevent the wax of the candle getting into the orange.
Making the Christingle is simple. Slice the top of the orange. Make the hole large enough to fit the base of your candle. Before setting the candle into the orange, cover the opening with foil.
Place the dried fruits or other sweets on to the skewers.
Push the four skewers into the orange. Finally, wrap the red ribbon around the orange and tie.
Congratulations, you have made your first Christingle. Consider making extras to give away. Just do not cut the hole into the orange until you are ready to give it to the intended person.
Reference:
The History of Christingles. https://www.whychristmas.com/customs/christingles.shtml
Rebecca's Country Notes 