GRÁ MÁTHAIR - A Mother's Love

Apr 21

Anne Marie

“When you grow up in rural Ireland at the time we did, there are two things that stay with you forever – the warmth of the turf fire on the chilly, rainy days, and candlelight.”

We created our Baileo candles to remind us of the scents of home, scents that calm, restore, and uplift us. Anyone who has been to Ireland will recognize them: Fireside, Soft Rain and Atlantic Mist. We also created a beautifully scented candle in memory of our mother and to honor mothers everywhere. It’s called Grá Máthair which means A Mother’s Love in Irish.

Like many symbols in Ireland, candles hold special meaning:

A candle in the window

It started over 400 years ago at the time of the penal laws in Ireland. The laws curtailed the civil, religious, and economic rights of Catholics.

These were dark and dangerous times

Catholics were banned from practicing their faith. Priests went underground and mass was said in homes often late at night. A candle in the window would let the priest know that it was a Catholic home, a safe home. In the many years since, a candle in the window evolved to mean other things; welcoming weary travelers or keeping a light burning for someone far away with the candle representing a silent prayer. Sometimes it would announce the arrival of a new baby. Today people still put candles in their windows especially at Christmas time.

A universal symbol

Candles have always been a universal symbol of unity, hope, peace, and comfort. We celebrate life’s milestones with candles – our christenings, birthdays, falling in love and getting married. Sometimes we light a candle when we need help hoping that whatever our faith our prayer will be answered.

It’s amazing how one thing can signify so many, from faith to peace and even life itself. Its humble beauty in the dark is not only soothing, but also a reminder that even a tiny flicker of light can defy darkness.

“Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness.”

Anne Frank

Lighting the way

Candles are used in all manner of ceremonies and occasions across the world. Perhaps the most profound is when we say goodbye to someone we love. That’s why you’ll always find candles at Irish wakes – helping to light the way ahead for the person who has passed away. In the days and years that follow, we light candles to remember. It’s a simple ritual that helps us to be still, to think about the people who have influenced our lives, and to be thankful for the time we had together.

It's amazing how much meaning this humble flicker of light holds. Reverend Alden from Little House on the Prairie once said: “There is not enough darkness in all the world to put out the light of even one small candle.” How true that is.

Wherever you are and whoever you’re thinking of, light a candle for them. Especially in our world today where we need hope, faith, and comfort more than ever.