Many schools and churches will begin to celebrate Christmas with the Christingle from this time in the merry season. Poppy Logo. FB house promo. Sign Up for News Updates. Sign up. At the climax of the service, each child receives a lighted Christingle and in the magical moment of the darkened Church, the visual symbol tells the truth of the Christmas story, - that in the darkness of the world there has shined a great light.
Many years ago, children were asked to take a gift to put beside the crib in church. One family had no money for gifts but were determined to take something. They found an orange which they felt would be okay, but were disappointed to find it was going mouldy at the top. However, they thought they would scoop out the bad bits and put a candle in the top and turn it into a lantern.
Thinking that it looked a bit ordinary, one of the girls took a red ribbon from her hair and tied it around the middle. They had difficulty getting it to stay in place, so fastened it with four small sticks, on the ends of which they put a few raisins. People didn't think the service would work as making the Christingles would be too complicated - but they were wrong! The custom has spread through to all kinds of churches and is one of the most common and popular Christmas services in the UK, especially among children.
Christingles services still normally raise money for children's charities. Children would go round houses, singing songs and rhymes and wishing people good luck for the new year. They hope to get some money and treats in return! It has similarities to Carol Singing and Wassailing. People would often carry a Calennig apple - an apple on a tripod of twigs or sticks so it can stand up and decorated with nuts, cloves and greenery.
This has sometimes been associated with Christingles although they're not related at all! Calennig can also now mean the big New Years celebrations held in Welsh cities like Cardiff.
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