We all wonder, “What will happen next? Searching, reading, and watching the news we anticipate a solution. And there will be one, but both panic and anxiety between cracks of hope, explode in a downward spiral with each passing week. A world unprepared suddenly woke to an outbreak of realistic chaos. As well, the media floods our minds and hearts, and we divert focus on who deceives us as victims of misinformation – but we have a choice amidst the difficulties to rise above when we can. Let us light memorial candles for coronavirus deaths, and place them in our windows. Not only will it express grief and support for the victims and their families, but it can help each of us cope.
Coping means to deal effectively with something, that’s not easy when we are in pain. So, let’s take a look at the world around us. What does it mean to light a candle? In the 4th and 5th centuries, the Macedonians lit candles for more than a month after deaths. Jewish people light a candle once a year for their loved ones, the Greeks and Romans, too, had their sacred fire and their ceremonial lights. Christians use candles for sacred use including death. The list goes on, and as the centuries have rolled by, candle lighting has continued. It is a powerful way of bringing people together in mourning and remembrance.
So when you ask yourself in these horrifying times, “What will happen next?” Put someone else above yourself and the answers will come easier. If you pause your life for a brief moment for another’s pain, your pain changes. Their pain is lessoned and we need that right now.
We have choices, to handle what comes by the glass half empty or glass half full. I say fill up the glass of positive, and with our face bent downward into the palm of our hands, we weep – after which lifting our head we run our hands over our cheeks, to look up and hope.
Your personal coronavirus cure
So, for just a few minutes each week, let’s take a breather from reading the statistics, reports, and breaking news. And in that few minutes, let us light memorial candles for coronavirus deaths. You can as well, learn how to reach out, talk to the families of those who have died through social media, show support in any way possible. In this small way you have a personal cure that can be passed on through light, through love, through the spreading of hope and a new normal.
What is a memorial candle?
Some cultures describe it as an aniversary candle, a rememberance of death, a memorial of life remembered.
It has significant meaning, it costs little, and yet it brings a sense of peace and respectful offering.
What kind of candle should be used
Some cultures have specific candles, but any candle can be used with no preference for color, size, shape, or decorated. Virtual candles, flameless candles, and oil lamps as well. You can create your own memorial or adapt the lighting to your personal faith or belief system.
How to light a memorial candle
Some say a prayer; others could read a poem, say nothing, have a moment of silence, or just light the candle and allow the flickering light to remind you and the world that someone cares.
“As we light this candle, we remember those who have died, that they did not pass in vain – but rather that their lives are recognized to us and the world as meaningful; that we take this moment to honor them and their loved ones with compassion for their losses. Let it be a light to show we send comfort.”
My friends, you can say and write the charges of your heart, it makes no difference, what matters is the action of doing something. It will help everyone, including you
Place the candle in the window
It’s a beautiful sight to see a candle flickering in the window -and a sign to neighbors, friends, and family that you are supporting others. Most people know what a memorial candle is. Right now the whole world understands – and no words need to be spoken, a light will say a lot.
It makes me think of special times when things mean more.
Thank you for reading and in this small gesture and short article, I hope you will be inspired to join the lights with a memorial candle for coronavirus deaths of your own.
I’m sure we all have a candle or two buried in the cupboard. Maybe it’s time to get the kids involved. Pull out leftover birthday candles, the half-burned Christmas reds or lovely evergreen scented ones you have in some dusty corner. That said, light one for each of your children to allow them their own voice in a world so big yet so small.
Another idea would be to make candles. If you have kids at home and need a project, candle making could be great fun and for a great cause. Here are a couple of links to the art of candle making. Candle making with Sheri Vegas or Sunshine Soap and Candle Company
The Mor family lights our first candle this evening, March 28th, 2020, in memory of all those who have passed in this tragedy. We shall proudly place our tall white candle (we found in our cupboard buried beneath chopsticks) in our window and close our eyes for a moment to remember.
Send in your pictures we’d love to see you here with us lighting candles. And we hope that the coming weeks will become easier – but just for this moment, we think only of those who have died.
Sincerely with hope and love,
Nice idea by the way to light some candles.
we all should do something. thnx
This really made an impact on our lives. Took us a few weeks to try it but we got out the old holiday candles and now we do it regularly.
Thanks Mat! The pictures you sent were amazing too! It really helps at our home as well. Stay safe and sane out there! And we’ll see you on the next post.