🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <111543@siemens.siemens.com>, benson@siemens.com. (Dan Benson) writes:
> Does anyone know the history or significance behind the tradition of
> placing a candle (or electric look-alike) in every window of a house
> around this time of year?
> 
> My wife and I recently moved to NJ (from Seattle) and it's the first
> time we've seen this phenomenon and wondered what it means. Is it
> religous? Amish? Is it practiced all over NJ? In other states?
> Who started it?
> 
> We've asked several locals but no one seems to know very much about
> the custom. Any light that someone can shed on this question would
> be most appreciated!
> 
> 
> --
> Dan Benson                           Siemens Corporate Research, Inc.
> (609) 734-3668                       755 College Road East
> dbenson@siemens.siemens.com          Princeton, NJ  08540


Dan:

	The custom as far as I know it is from the "Northern European"
	Cultures (Polish,Slovac...).  

	The background meaning -

	Lighted candles are placed in the windows to aid/guide/welcome
	weary travelers.  This ties in with the tradition of setting an
	extra place setting on the Holiday Dinner table.


	Present Day Meaning - It looks good at the Smithski's house.

	This area had many Northern European immigrants settle into
	fairly large communities.  As time went by the communities
	broke up and dispersed through the state.

	Perth Amboy, New Brunswick were examples of this.


	Have a good holiday my friend!

	John Skiendziel