Light of Peace
December 17, 2017 — 4 comments
Light of Peace
In late November, a 12-year old boy lit a candle in the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
In a special lantern, the light is then flown to Vienna, Austria, from where the Light of Peace is spread to over thirty countries in Europe and the USA (New York), Canada (Ottawa/Toronto since 2009) and parts of South America. Received in thoughtful local ceremonies, the Light is spread to all participants present; from person to person, igniting one candle at a time.
Origin of the campaign
The Light of Peace campaign is non-denominational and non-commercial. The intention is to unite people of all ages, health circumstances, color, religion, culture or background – at Christmas and beyond.
The idea was created in 1986 at the initiative of ORF regional studio in Austria. The motto for 2017 is “Sharing Joy” and many politicians and dignitaries receive the light, including Presidents of State and the Pope.
Light of Peace In Switzerland
In Switzerland, the Light of Peace was received for the 25th year on the third Sunday of Advent on December 17, 2017 in the cities of Zürich, Basel, Luzern, Fribourg, Lausanne and Lugano. Two hundred further regional locations receive the Light of Peace at 5 pm with their own creative ceremonies.
Organized in Switzerland by Friedenslicht Schweiz, the Christmas event is supported by many clubs, schools, girl & boy scouts, churches, political municipalities and private individuals. It stands under the patronage of “Denk an mich” – a Swiss foundation that supports people with disabilities. Donations for candles to participate in the lighting go in support of special vacation homes for the disabled.
Light of Peace is a moving and touching new Christmas ceremony that grows in popularity and locations around the world.
Have you heard of this new Christmas tradition – The Light of Peace – or participated in it? Please leave a comment below. Thank you.
About Silvia and Swiss Wanderlust
Switzerland travel enthusiast. Cat lover, bicyclist and classical music fan. I prefer walking over running and enjoy a good Swiss card game of Jass with friends. More about Silvia and Swiss Wanderlust »
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I have never heard of the Light of Peace until i read your article and it is pretty amazing if you ask me. I am going to check around the area where i live and see if anyone else has heard of it as well.
thank you.
Hi Debbie
Please let me know what you find out in your area. I was going to check where exactly in Canada the Light of Peace is spread to. I know it’s directly flown to Toronto by the Austrian Airline (New York in the US), but don’t know much more than that.
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Silvia
so far no one has heard about the light of Peace, it is interesting since it is the Christmas season. I would have thought that more people would have heard about it.
What a lovely and beautiful celebration. I’m the Waldorf schools we have something similar, where we all gather together as a community and one candle is lit and in a circle we all spread the flame around to the person beside us. Once all the candles are lit we have a moment of silence then sing traditional Christmas carols before blowing them out. What a lovely sentiment to put aside differences to celebrate together!