A candlestick is a device used to hold a candle in place. Candlesticks have a cup or a spike ("pricket") or both to keep the candle in place. Candlesticks are sometimes called "candleholders".
63-534: Before the proliferation of electricity, candles were carried between rooms using a chamberstick , a short candlestick with a pan to catch dripping wax. Although electric lighting has phased out candles in much of the world, candlesticks and candelabras are still used in homes as decorative elements or to add atmosphere on special occasions. Candles and candlesticks are also used frequently in religious rituals and for spiritual means as both functional and symbolic lights. In Jewish homes, two candles are lit to mark
126-481: A fireplace mantel , table, guéridon , and torchère , or if large, on the floor. In England in the early 18th century, candelabra may be used interchangeably with a number of terms, such as branches, chandeliers , lustres, girandoles , and wall-lights. Girandoles were a form of candelabra with crystals in the 17th century, but were sold as candelabra in England by the end of the 18th century. Candelabra became popular in
189-430: A candle, and candelabra can be defined as a branched holder that supports multiple candles. "Candelabra" has been used to describe all branched candle holders, including chandeliers. The distinction between a candelabrum and a chandelier, the candelabrum being a candle holder placed on a surface, while the chandelier is hung from the ceiling. These candle holders were first used in the ancient world. A notable example
252-543: A continually lit lamp or light in front of the Torah ark , where the Torah scroll is kept, called the ner tamid (eternal light). This lamp represents the continually lit ner Elohim of the menorah used in Temple times. In addition, many synagogues display either a menorah or an artistic representation of a menorah. A menorah appears in the Emblem of Israel , based on the depiction of
315-495: A light or lamp (e.g. Psalms 119:105; Psalms 119:130; cf. Proverbs 6:23). In the Eastern Orthodox Church the use of the menorah has been preserved, always standing on or behind the altar in the sanctuary. Though candles may be used, the traditional practice is to use olive oil in the seven-lamp lampstand. There are varying liturgical practices, and usually all seven lamps are lit for the services, though sometimes only
378-464: A nine-branched variant of the menorah, is closely associated with the Jewish festival of Hanukkah . The Hebrew Bible states that God revealed the design for the menorah to Moses and describes the construction of the menorah as follows: Make a lampstand of pure gold. Hammer out its base and shaft, and make its flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms of one piece with them. Six branches are to extend from
441-679: A single block of solid gold, with decorations based on the depiction of the original in the Arch of Titus and the Temple Institute's interpretation of the relevant religious texts. A menorah appeared on the cap badge of the First Judeans of the Jewish Legion (1919–1921). Sometimes when teaching learners of the Hebrew language , a chart shaped like the seven-lamp menorah is used to help students remember
504-628: A symbol closely associated with the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah . According to the Talmud , after the Seleucid desecration of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem , there was only enough sealed (and therefore not desecrated) consecrated olive oil left to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, which was enough time to make new pure oil. The Talmud states that it
567-695: A tall stand that supports a lamp. In Judaism , the menorah and hanukkiah are special kinds of candelabra. Candelabra are also used in churches, in ceremonies such as Tenebrae , in certain Eastern Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Church liturgy such as the dikirion and trikirion . Candelabra in the form of branched candlesticks also became popular in homes as decorative lighting. In modern times, electricity has largely relegated candleholders to decorative use in homes. The interior designers nowadays continue to model light fixtures and lighting accessories after candelabra and candlesticks. The term ‘candelabra’
630-607: A total of 66 units, which Conner claims is a picture of the Protestant canon of scripture (containing 66 books). Moreover, Conner notes that the total decorative units on the shaft and three branches equate to 39 (the number of Old Testament books within Protestant versions of the Bible); and the units on the remaining three branches come to 27 (the number of New Testament books). Conner connects this to Bible passages that speak of God's word as
693-772: Is a seven-branched candelabrum that is described in the Hebrew Bible and in later ancient sources as having been used in the Tabernacle and in the Temple in Jerusalem . Since ancient times, it has served as a symbol representing the Jewish people and Judaism in both the Land of Israel and the Diaspora . It eventually became the State of Israel 's official emblem after its founding in 1948. According to
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#1732872869207756-590: Is a seven-lamp oil lamp lit to represent the seven stars of the Northern Dipper . This lampstand is a requirement for all Taoist temples, never to be extinguished. In the first 9 days of the lunar 9th month festival, an oil lamp of nine connected lamps may also be lit to honour both the Northern Dipper and two other assistant stars (collectively known as the Nine Emperor Stars), sons of Dou Mu appointed by
819-486: Is called a hanukkiah in Modern Hebrew . This is alluded to in the verses: "Though I walk through the valley of the deepest darkness, I will fear no evil, because You are with me" and "because even if I have fallen, I will rise again; even if I feel in the darkness, Hashem is my light. "Let the light of Divinity perceptions descend into the depths of "darkness ", into "the valley of the deepest darkness", to illuminate
882-469: Is commonly used to describe small light bulbs used in chandeliers and other lighting fixtures made for decoration as well as lighting. The first known use of candelabra in English was in 1776, and candelabrum in 1811. The word is originally Latin , where candēlābrum ( candela , candle, -b(a) rum , holder) means a " candlestick ”, ultimately deriving from candēla , meaning "candle". Candalabrum
945-674: Is in itself a negative element, that is, it does not give the hope of obtaining complete devotion: "darkness" is like an inaccessible place, darkness conceals the depth of the gaze; in Chassidut an awakening from below is the "service" for God, i.e. the Avodah . During the victory of the Kedushah in Hanukkah, the Kohen Gadol almost declared that divine light must triumph. When the risk of "fall" can do
1008-505: Is prohibited to use a seven-lamp menorah outside of the Temple. A Hanukkah menorah therefore has eight main branches, plus the raised ninth lamp set apart as the shamash (servant) light which is used to kindle the other lights. The word shamash was not originally a "Hanukkah word" and only became associated with the holiday in the 16th century although it first appeared in the Mishnah (c. 200 C.E.) and Talmud (c. 500 C.E.). This type of menorah
1071-599: Is saying. According to Clement of Alexandria and Philo Judaeus , the seven lamps of the golden menorah represented the seven classical planets in this order: the Moon, Mercury, Venus, the Sun, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. It is also said to symbolize the burning bush as seen by Moses on Mount Horeb . Kevin Conner has noted of the original menorah, described in Exodus 25, that each of
1134-551: Is that… the Menorah was on the southern side [of the Temple]." The seven lamps allude to the branches of human knowledge , represented by the six lamps inclined inwards towards, and symbolically guided by, the light of God represented by the central lamp. The menorah also symbolizes the creation in seven days, with the center light representing the Sabbath . A nine-branched menorah is also
1197-454: Is the seven-armed candelabrum or menorah , mentioned in the Hebrew Bible with instruction on its creation to Moses . The menorah is depicted in the Arch of Titus following the capture of Jerusalem . It has since become a symbol of Judaism and an Emblem of Israel , as well as a model of seven-armed candelabra used in medieval Christian churches. A bronze candelabrum was made by Callimachus for
1260-409: Is the singular form and candēlābra is the plural. While candelabra is the correct plural form of candelabrum, due to changes in English usage over time, candelabra is now popularly used as the singular form, with candelabras the supposed plural form. "Candelabrums" is also sometimes seen for the same reasons. Candelabra is a form of candlestick; candlestick is defined as an object that holds
1323-459: The thermae . These consists of a base, often triangular, a shaft either richly moulded or carved with the acanthus plant and crowned with a large cup or basin with similar design to the small sacrificial altars . Examples of the latter excavated from Hadrian's Villa are now found in the Vatican Museums . Simpler tall slender candelabra with three feet were used in a domestic setting in
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#17328728692071386-532: The Byzantine army recovered it in 533 and brought it to Constantinople , then later returned it to Jerusalem, but many other theories have been advanced for its eventual fate, and no clear evidence of its location has been recorded since late antiquity . The menorah is frequently used as a symbol in Jewish art . There are no representations of the menorah from the First Temple period , but some examples dating from
1449-545: The Erechtheion in Athens , to carry the lamp sacred to Athena . In this case it is possible the lamp was suspended. While "candelabrum" is now often used to mean a branched candle holder, the term has been used to describe a variety of lighting devices. A candelabrum may describe a tall stand that supports a lamp. The Roman candelabra may consist of a stalk or reed, the upper part moulded with projecting feature to carry lights at
1512-598: The Etruscan and Roman periods. These may be made of wood, but many made of bronze were excavated in Herculaneum and Pompeii . Other types of candelabra also existed in the Roman period; these may consist of a figure supporting one or two branches with plates for lamps, or a type that may be placed on a table, with a pillar that has branches from which lights are suspended. The Roman examples seem to have served as models for many of
1575-756: The Israelites crossed the Jordan River . When the tabernacle tent was pitched in Shiloh , it is assumed that the menorah was also present. However, no mention is made of it during the years that the Ark of the Covenant was moved in the times of Samuel and Saul . According to 2 Kings and the Books of Chronicles , Solomon created ten lampstands ("menorahs"), that were put in the heikal, Solomon's Temple main chamber. The weight of
1638-795: The Old City of Jerusalem , and in Magdala (on the Magdala Stone ). The use of menorahs in Jewish art and in particular in Jewish funerary art became much more common in the late Roman and Byzantine periods. The menorah was a distinctive symbol of Samaritan identity during the Byzantine and Islamic periods. Repurposed stone menorah reliefs, some with accompanying plant decorations, have been found in contemporary structures in several villages of ancient Samaria , including Qariyet Hajjah , Kafr Abbush , Kafr Zibad , Kafr Qaddum and Kafr Jit . Synagogues have
1701-503: The Roman destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 CE, the menorah was taken to Rome ; the Arch of Titus , which still stands today, famously depicts the menorah being carried away by the triumphant Romans along with other spoils of the destroyed temple. The menorah was reportedly taken to Carthage by the Vandals after the sacking of Rome in 455. Byzantine historian Procopius reported that
1764-521: The Second Temple period have been recorded. Menorah images that were discovered include the coins of Antigonus II Mattathias , the last Hasmonean king of Judea, as well as on the walls of an Upper City mansion and Jason's Tomb in Jerusalem, and objects such as the Magdala stone . Following the destruction of the Second Temple, the menorah came to be recognized as a distinctively Jewish symbol and
1827-653: The Temple of Peace in Rome , or in the Imperial Palace. It was still there when the city was sacked by Vandals in 455 CE. The location and state of the Menorah following the Vandal sack of Rome remains a mystery. Many scholars assume that at this point the Menorah left Rome for Carthage and further destinations, but some believe that the Menorah remains in Rome to this day. The objects that were crafted, and then hidden away are these:
1890-771: The 18th century. Two-branched candelabra were then the most common, and some designs allowed the branches to be detached leaving a single-armed candlestick. By the 19th century, silver candelabra with multiple branches were often used together with elaborate centerpieces on dinner tables. In the United States and Canada, the word candelabra is used to refer to radio masts and towers with multiple transmission antennas . Sutro Tower in San Francisco and John Hancock Center in Chicago are examples of such structures. Baltimore's TV stations, WMAR-TV , WBAL-TV , and WJZ-TV in 1959 built
1953-507: The Hebrew Bible, the menorah was made out of pure gold , and the only source of fuel that was allowed to be used to light the lamps was fresh olive oil . The menorah was placed in the Tabernacle . Biblical tradition holds that Solomon's Temple was home to ten menorahs, which were later plundered by the Babylonians ; the Second Temple is also said to have been home to a menorah. Following
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2016-663: The Talmud, the miracle of the ner hama'aravi ended after the High Priesthood of Simon the Just in the 3rd or 4th century BC. Contrary to some modern designs, the ancient menorah burned oil and did not contain anything resembling candles , which were unknown in the Middle East until about 400 CE. The original menorah was made for the tabernacle , and the Bible records it as being present until
2079-602: The Taoist Trinity (the Three Pure Ones) to hold the Books of Life and Death of humanity. The lamps represent the illumination of the 7 stars, and lighting them are believed to absolve sins while prolonging one's lifespan. The menorah features prominently in the 2013 crypto-thriller The Sword of Moses by Dominic Selwood . It is also featured in the archaeology novels Crusader Gold , by David Gibbins , The Last Secret of
2142-540: The beginning of the Sabbath at sundown every Friday, hence, candlesticks are often on display. A seven-branched candelabra , known as the menorah , is the national symbol of the State of Israel , based on the candelabra that was used in the Temple in Jerusalem in ancient times. Another special candelabra found in many Jewish homes is the Hanukiah , the Hanukkah menorah that holds eight candles plus an extra one for lighting
2205-531: The candelabra in the churches in Italy. Liturgical services were performed with the use of candlelight, and candelabra with prickets may be used to hold the candles in churches. In the 4th century, Pope Sylvester I presented to churches with brass candelabra inlaid with silver. Seven-armed candelabra, mentioned in the Bible, may also be found in various churches, including the Eastern Orthodox Church . Candelabra may be used in some religious ceremonies . Candelabra in
2268-430: The depiction on the Arch of Titus, which could possibly have been carved by an eyewitness to the actual menorah present at the time in the Temple at Jerusalem. This menorah has arms which are polygonal, not rounded, and the base is not graduated but triangular. It is notable, however, that this artifact was found a significant distance from Jerusalem and the Arch of Titus has often been interpreted as an eyewitness account of
2331-537: The form of branched candle holders were also used in homes of the wealthy. Good wax candles were expensive in the early period, while tallow candles made of animal fat were smelly, smokey and burned quickly, candle holders were therefore rare in ordinary households. By the 17th century in France, candelabra was defined by César-Pierre Richelet as "a large room candlestick which has several branches", although candelabra existed in other forms. The candelabra may be placed on
2394-502: The height of the First Jewish–Roman War . Its fate is recorded by Josephus, who states that it was brought to Rome and carried along during the triumph of Vespasian and Titus . The bas relief on the Arch of Titus in Rome depicts a scene of Roman soldiers carrying away the spoils of the Second Temple, including the menorah. For centuries, the menorah and the other temple treasures were displayed as war trophies either at
2457-470: The lampstand, a second bud under the second pair, and a third bud under the third pair—six branches in all. The buds and branches shall be all of one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold. Then make its seven lamps and set them up on it so that they light the space in front of it. Its wick trimmers and trays are to be of pure gold. A talent of pure gold is to be used for the lampstand and all these accessories. See that you make them according to
2520-431: The lampstands (plural) when he pillaged the Temple. The later record of the making of "new holy vessels" may refer to the manufacture of new lampstands. According to the Talmud , the returning Hasmoneans were poor and forced to construct the Menorah out of wood. They later upgraded it to silver and ultimately gold. The menorah from the Second Temple was carried to Rome after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE at
2583-597: The lampstands forms part of the detailed instructions given to Solomon by David . According to the Book of Jeremiah , the lampstands were taken away by the Babylonian general Nebuzaradan following the destruction of Jerusalem . During the construction of the Second Temple following the Return to Zion , no mention is made of the return of the menorah but only of "vessels." The book of Maccabees records that Antiochus IV took away
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2646-612: The loss of faith in the Jewish religion as the abyss of Israel's personal and collective identity, the Kohen Gadol thus insists for the "awakening" of the most distant souls in order to direct them with Kavanah towards the fulfillment of the Mitzvot : ...because the Torah is the light and the Mitzvah is a lamp . The New Testament Book of Revelation refers to a mystery of seven golden lampstands representing seven churches. The messages to
2709-607: The lowest, so that even that light and consciousness of Divinity reaches them, so that He can heal and correct them to return them to Him. In Kabbalah Or Panim ("the light of the Face") is a fundamental conception for the process called Tikkun . All the Kavvanot , the spiritual measures of faith for the realization of the Kingdom of God, focus on the manifestation of the Or Panim ; actually darkness
2772-421: The menorah , the curtain [that partitioned the holy from the holy-of-holies], and the head-plate are still sitting in Rome. The menorah symbolized the ideal of universal enlightenment. The idea that the menorah symbolizes wisdom is noted in the Talmud, for example, in the following: "Rabbi Isaac said: He who desires to become wise should incline to the south [when praying]. The symbol [by which to remember this]
2835-460: The menorah on the Arch of Titus. The Temple Institute has created a life-sized menorah, designed by goldsmith Chaim Odem, intended for use in a future Third Temple . The Jerusalem Post describes the menorah as made "according to excruciatingly exacting Biblical specifications and prepared to be pressed into service immediately should the need arise." The menorah is made of one talent (interpreted as 45 kg) of 24 karat pure gold, hammered out of
2898-593: The menorah was placed in the antechamber of the Temple sanctuary, over against its southernmost wall, the Talmud ( Menahot 98b) brings down a dispute between two scholars on whether or not the menorah was situated north to south, or east to west. The branches are often artistically depicted as semicircular, but Rashi , (according to some contemporary readings) and Maimonides (in a sketch commented on by his son Avraham ), held that they were straight; all other Jewish authorities, both classical (e.g. Philo and Josephus) and medieval (e.g. Ibn Ezra), who express an opinion on
2961-428: The original menorah being looted from the temple in Jerusalem. According to the Book of Exodus , the lamps of the menorah were lit daily from fresh, consecrated olive oil and burned from evening until morning. Josephus states that three of the seven lamps were allowed to burn during the day also; however, according to one opinion in the Talmud , only the center lamp was left burning all day, into which as much oil
3024-542: The others. Tall candlesticks and altar lamps are often found in Christian churches as well. A special set of two- and three-branched candelabras called the dikirion and trikirion is used by Eastern Catholic and Eastern Orthodox bishops to bless people at worship services. A triple candlestick was used before 1955 in the Catholic Church . Candelabra A candelabrum (plural candelabra but also used as
3087-406: The pattern shown you on the mountain. The Book of Numbers (Chapter 8) adds that the seven lamps are to give light in front of the lampstand and reiterates that the lampstand was made in accordance with the pattern shown to Moses on the mountain. Rabbinic sources teach that the menorah stood 18 handbreadths/palms (three common cubits ) high, or approximately 1.62 metres (5.3 ft). Although
3150-411: The role of the binyanim of the Hebrew verb . The menorah is the main element in several Holocaust memorials . The kinara is also, like the menorah, a seven candleholder which is associated with the African American festival of Kwanzaa . One candle is lit on each day of the week-long celebration, in a similar manner as the Hannukah menorah. In Taoism , the Seven-Star Lamp qi xing deng 七星燈
3213-417: The ruins of a synagogue in Magdala with pottery dating from before the destruction of the Second Temple were discovered under land owned by the Legionaries of Christ , who had intended to construct a center for women's studies. Inside that synagogue's ruins, a carved stone block was discovered, which had on its surface, among other ornate carvings, a depiction of the seven-lamp menorah differing markedly from
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#17328728692073276-409: The seven churches from Jesus Christ found have at least four applications: (1) a local application to the specific cities and believers in the church; (2) to all the churches of all generations; (3) a prophetic application unveiling seven distinct phases of church history from the days of the apostle John until today; (4) a personal application to individual believers who have ears to hear what the Spirit
3339-401: The sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other. Three cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms are to be on one branch, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches extending from the lampstand. And on the lampstand are to be four cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms. One bud shall be under the first pair of branches extending from
3402-443: The singular form) is a candle holder with multiple arms. "Candelabra" can be used to describe a variety of candle holders including chandeliers . However, candelabra can also be distinguished as branched candle holders that are placed on a surface such as the floor, stand, or tabletop. The chandeliers , on the other hand, are hung from the ceiling. The Romans used the term to describe a form of ornamental lighting, which may be
3465-418: The six tributary branches coming out of the main shaft was decorated with three sets of "cups... shaped like almond blossoms... a bulb and a flower..." (Exodus 25:33, NASB). This would create three sets of three units on each branch, a total of nine units per branch. The main shaft, however, had four sets of blossoms, bulbs and flowers, making a total of twelve units on the shaft (Exodus 25:34). This would create
3528-427: The subject state that the arms were round. The Roman-Jewish historian Josephus , who witnessed the Temple's destruction, says that the menorah was actually situated obliquely, to the east and south. The most famous preserved representation of the menorah of the Second Temple was depicted in a frieze on the Arch of Titus , commemorating his triumphal parade in Rome following the destruction of Jerusalem in
3591-401: The tent of meeting and the vessels contained therein, the ark and the broken tablets, the container of manna, and the flask of anointing oil, the stick of Aaron and its almonds and flowers, the priestly garments, and the garments of the anointed [high] priest. But, the spice-grinder of the family of Avtinas [used to make the unique incense in the Temple], the [golden] table [of the showbread],
3654-424: The three centermost are lit for the lesser services. If the church does not have a sanctuary lamp the centermost lamp of the seven lamps may remain lit as an eternal flame . The use of the temple menorah as an artistic decoration during the Second Temple period and up to the Bar Kokhba revolt is quite rare. Examples were uncovered in burial caves near Mukhmas (ancient Michmas ), in the Herodian Quarter in
3717-551: The top, and a base resting on three lions' or griffins ' feet. The origin of the term, which means a candlestick, suggests that Roman candelabra may have a disk with a spike on top to carry a wax or tallow candle ( candela or funalia ). Candelabra, however, can have a disk at the top to carry a lamp, and sometimes there was a hollow cup, in which resinous woods were burnt. The Roman candelabra used in public building can be of significant size, and they may have bulky supports in stone or marble, of which many examples were found in
3780-413: The world’s first three-antenna candelabra tower, 730 feet tall. Other examples include the Mount Royal Candelabra in Montreal , the KXTV/KOVR/KCRA Tower , KSMO Candelabra Tower , KMBC / KCWE Candelabra Tower, the Madison Community Candelabra Tower in Madison . Temple menorah The menorah ( / m ə ˈ n ɔː r ə / ; Hebrew : מְנוֹרָה mənōrā , pronounced [menoˈʁa] )
3843-482: The year 70 CE. In that frieze, the menorah is shown resting upon a hexagonal base, which in turn rests upon a slightly larger but concentric and identically shaped base; a stepwise appearance on all sides is thus produced. Each facet of the hexagonal base was made with two vertical stiles and two horizontal rails, a top rail and a bottom rail, resembling a protruding frame set against a sunken panel. These panels have some relief design set or sculpted within them. In 2009,
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#17328728692073906-423: Was depicted on tomb walls, synagogue floors, sculptures and reliefs, as well as glass and metal objects. The menorah has been also used since then to distinguish synagogues and Jewish cemeteries from the places of worship and cemeteries of Christians and pagans . The symbol has also been found in several archaeological artifacts from ancient Samaritan , Christian and Islamic communities. The Hanukkah menorah ,
3969-462: Was put as into the others. Although all the other lights were extinguished, that light continued burning oil, in spite of the fact that it had been kindled first. This miracle, according to the Talmud, was taken as a sign that the Shechinah rested among Israel. It was called the ner hama'aravi (Western lamp) because of the direction of its wick. This lamp was also referred to as the ner Elohim (lamp of God), mentioned in I Samuel 3:3. According to
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