The Three Kings’ Candle: A Norwegian Christmas Closure
In Norway, as the Christmas season draws to a gentle close, a humble yet meaningful ritual remains: the lighting of the three kings’ candle (“hellige tre kongers lys”). This tradition marks not only the end of the festive period but also connects us to a shared heritage and deeper meaning.
What is the Three Kings’ Candle?
The candle typically features three branches or three wicks (or three candles bound together) and is lit on or around 6 January — the feast of Epiphany (often called “Hellige tre kongers dag” or “Trettendedagen”) in Norway. It symbolises the three wise men (often called Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar) who visited the Christ-child, as well as the ending of the twelve days of Christmas (Den norske kirke, n.d.; Forskning.no, 2023).
Historically, the practice of lighting the three-armed candle has been documented in Norwegian homes for hundreds of years. According to a folk-culture source, “the custom with the three-kings’ candle has been known in the Nordic countries for over 300 years”. (Norway Designs, n.d.).
Why Light It?
Traditionally, the candle serves several overlapping purposes:
It signals the official closing of the Christmas season in folk custom — many families would keep the tree up and festivities going until the 13th day of Christmas (6 January). (Wikipedia, n.d.)
It offers a moment of reflection, a gentle pause after the rush of December.
It symbolises the arrival of foreign wise men to worship the Christ-child — a reminder that the Christian message reaches beyond boundaries. (Den norske kirke, n.d.; Forskning.no, 2023)
In old folk beliefs, the lighting of the candle on this day also carried weather-omens: snow and clear skies might herald a good harvest, while rain or wind might forewarn the opposite. (SNL, n.d.)
How Is It Observed?
In a typical Norwegian home that honours the tradition:
On 6 January (or the evening before) the three-kings candle is placed in a visible spot — perhaps in the windowsill or on the dining table.
The candle is lit, sometimes after a short prayer, hymn, or silent reflection.
Some families may serve a simple snack or cake, perhaps called a “king’s cake,” picking up on European parallels. (Forskning.no, 2023)
With the candle alight, it becomes a marker: the decorations may be taken down, the tree removed, the festive season formally concluded.
Why It Matters for Genealogy and Heritage
For those of us who engage in genealogical research, family storytelling and heritage writing, the three-kings’ candle offers more than symbolism — it offers continuity.
Lighting the same style of candle as one’s grandparents or great-grandparents did creates a tangible link across generations.
Recognising folk traditions like this enriches our narratives: the ritual becomes a thread in the tapestry of family customs.
Recording the date, the way your household observes it, and the stories around it can become material for future family historians — preserving intangible cultural heritage.
Invitation to Your Own Ritual
As you bring together the stories of your family — your travels, your ancestors, your camper-van adventures — consider introducing the three-kings’ candle into your New Year traditions. On the evening of 6 January, light three small candles bound together or a three‐wick candle. Take a moment of quiet, reflect on the past year, acknowledge those who came before you, and usher in the new year with intention and remembrance.
A short reflection could be:
“May the light of the three kings guide our home into a year of connection, discovery and heritage.”
Final Thoughts
Tradition endures, not simply because we replicate actions, but because we honour what they represent: continuity, belonging, reflection. In handing down the simple act of lighting a candle on 6 January, we keep alive a whisper of old homes, quiet winters in Molde and beyond, family gatherings, stories told by candlelight. And in that flame we find not only warmth, but meaning.
References
Den norske kirke. (n.d.). Helligetrekongersfest, trettende dag jul og juletrefester. Retrieved November 10, 2025, from https://www.kirken.no/nb-NO/kristen-tro/kirkearet/spesielle-dager/helligtrekongersdag/ Den norske kirke
Forskning.no. (2023, January 6). I dag er det helligtrekongersdag. Markerer du den? Retrieved from https://www.forskning.no/humaniora-jul-kristendom/i-dag-er-det-helligtrekongersdag/2133037 forskning.no
SNL. (n.d.). Trettendedagen. Retrieved from https://snl.no/trettendedagen Store norske leksikon
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Christmas in Norway. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_in_Norway Wikipedia
Norway Designs. (n.d.). Hellige Tre Kongers Lys liten. Retrieved from https://www.norwaydesigns.no/products/hellige-tre-kongers-lys-liten norwaydesigns.no
