A Hope in the Light: The Meaning Behind the Candle

We’ve all heard the saying “there’s a light at the end of the tunnel” signifying a positive to come out of a dark or difficult situation. Light is often used as an idiom to portray a sense of activity, newness, and epiphany. According to The National Gallery’s Festival of Light celebration, light is one of the oldest and most meaningful symbols, found in cultures and religions worldwide. Similarly, a flame or candle preserves this symbolism. 

For me, a candle was always a symbol of hope, faith and comfort. Growing up going to church regularly, lighting a candle was like an added boost in prayer. As I grew into adulthood, I carried that “candle comfort mentality” into my most difficult times as I sought out any nearby church to light a candle and say a prayer for myself or someone in need.  In similar fashion, my birthday candles have always felt pretty meaningful. It is a time to make my biggest, most important wish of the year. 

Fast forward and without going into great detail, my pregnancy journey has presented me with obstacles and challenges that I have yet to understand. We had been trying for a long time to conceive and after finally being able to picture a future family our circumstances led to the preterm delivery and loss of a perfectly healthy baby boy. While at the hospital a very gracious chaplain gifted us with several meaningful keepsakes, but of them all, one tiny electric candle stands out the most. She kept the candle lit over our baby and as we left the hospital and life continued to move on, the candle remained. I lit the candle every night by my bedside to help me fall asleep. My husband once asked if he could shut it off because it was too bright to sleep and I let him know that unless I am asleep the candle stays on. He never asked again. It was the one thing that allowed me to mourn and honor our son’s existence in a way that I could not explain other than a sense of comfort, reminder, and love.

When my sister-in-law brought the Baskets of Healing idea to my attention I was honored that she wanted to create such a beautiful gift to help others in memory of our baby. After listening to my experiences she asked for feedback on what could be added to the medical supplies we found vital in each basket. And so came the candle. 

As months went on and my own electric candle began to shine a little less bright, I let myself know that the candle is still there, but as the light begins to dim, it will be my sign to myself that I am ready to try again and that one way or another, everything will be okay. 

The light can mean whatever you want it to mean. That’s the beauty of a symbol. It allows us to go beyond what is seen and is ultimately what you choose to make of it. 

On behalf of Baskets of Healing, I wish you and your loved ones all the light you can dream of in this New Year.

With Love,

Amanda