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Light up the sky and honor those we have lost on Worldwide Candle Lighting Day, held every year on the second Sunday in December. This day of remembrance first began in 1997 as a way to bring families together to share stories and memories of their loved ones who have passed away. It's a powerful reminder that no matter how long it has been since they left us, they are still remembered and will always be part of our lives. Whether it's gathering around with family or lighting a single candle alone, this special day is sure to bring comfort and peace to all who observe it.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1996</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Compassionate Friends Founded</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Compassionate Friends, a self-help organization for families grieving a child’s death, expanded its mission to include all who are grieving.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1997</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Worldwide Candle Lighting Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Compassionate Friends held the first Worldwide Candle Lighting Day, a day dedicated to honour and remember children who have passed away.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2001</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>International Acknowledgment</div><div class='timeline-text'>The event gained international recognition as bereaved families across the globe joined the candle lighting ceremony to commemorate their loved ones.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2011</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Digital Remembrance</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Compassionate Friends introduced a virtual candle lighting page on their website, allowing those who couldn't attend a physical event to participate online.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2017</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Worldwide Impact</div><div class='timeline-text'>Hundreds of services in all 50 United States and more than 100 countries took part in the Worldwide Candle Lighting Day events.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a candle-lighting ceremony</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite family and friends to your home, or a local park or beach, and light candles together in remembrance of those who have passed away. Take time to share stories and memories.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a candle-lighting vigil</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather with others at a local public space or place of remembrance, such as a memorial garden or cemetery, and light candles in honor of those who have passed away.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a candle arrangement</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Using various sizes and colors of candles, design an arrangement that can be placed in a special spot to honor a loved one.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Light candles in each of your windows</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Decorate your windows with candles and let their light shine out into the night sky so that everyone can see them.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Release floating lanterns</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a local body of water and launch floating lanterns into the water as a special tribute to those who have passed away.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Candles bring a calming atmosphere</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The flicker of a candle's flame can be an incredibly peaceful and soothing sight. Lighting candles creates a calm and relaxing atmosphere that makes it easier to connect with those around you. Whether its for a dinner with friends or just some quiet time alone, the gentle glow of candles can make any moment feel special.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Candles provide light & warmth</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>When the electricity cuts out or emergency situation arises, candles can provide much needed light and warmth in times of darkness. They can also be used safely indoors to create outdoor ambience within when the weather isn't permitting.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Candles are perfect for decoration</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>As well as having practical applications, candles are an easy way to add beautiful decoration to your home. You can choose from all sorts of colors, scents and shapes to suit your style and make any space more cozy and inviting!</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Worldwide Candle Lighting Day creates a 24-hour wave of light</h3><p class='facts-content'>As people light candles in different places and time zones, a continuous wave of light is created across the globe, symbolizing unity and shared empathy.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Played a significant role in introducing Children's Day of Remembrance</h3><p class='facts-content'>The power and significance of Worldwide Candle Lighting Day inspired the decision to introduce an annual Children's Day of Remembrance, also organized by The Compassionate Friends.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Encourages socio-cultural diversity</h3><p class='facts-content'>Participants are encouraged to incorporate their own cultural and religious practices into the candle lighting, thus acknowledging and honoring diversity around the globe.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Symbols of life in many cultures</h3><p class='facts-content'>Candles have long been symbols of life, spirit, and enlightenment in numerous cultures. They not only commemorate lost loved ones on this day, but also embody the respect for life and memories shared.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Candles have been used in remembrance for centuries</h3><p class='facts-content'>The tradition of lighting candles to remember the deceased dates back millennia, making it an intergenerational ritual that connects people across the span of history.</p></div></div>
2023
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