Parish Church of St Giles Aintree

Christingle

Christingles are prepared the previous day and handed out to the congregation during the service.

A Christingle comprises of;

· An orange - This represents the world in which we live that God created.

· A red ribbon - This is tied around the orange and represents the blood which Jesus shed for us.

· Four cocktail sticks - These are placed around the orange and represent the four seasons.

· Nuts, fruit or sweets - These are placed on the ends of the 4 cocktail sticks and represent the fruits of the earth which God provides.

· A lighted candle - This is placed in the centre of the orange and represents Jesus Christ the Light of the World.

Our New 'Christingle' Candle Disc

Over the past few years we have been concerned about the rising cost of the oranges that we have used to make our Christingles, and the fact that so often the children (and adults), simple pick off the dried fruit and sweets and leave the oranges to waste. With this in mind, for the first time this year, we are having an 'orange free' Christingle. However, to continue the 'wonder' of a candle lit service we have produced a candle disc with all the elements of a real Christingle. Instead of coming forward to recieve their Christingles the congregation will now be presented with a small pack of dried fruit and Christmass sweets. The money that would have been spent on oranges etc., will now go to the Children's Society with the rest of the money raised during the services.

Click here to DOWNLOAD a copy of our 'Christingle Candle Disc' in 'Publisher' format

How To Make A Traditional Christingle

1. Take an orange and cut a small cross in the top.

2. Fasten a piece of red sticky tape or insulating tape around the middle of the orange to represent the ribbon.

3. Place a 7.5cm square of silver foil over the cut in the orange then take a small candle, place it on top of the foil and then push both into the cut until the candle is firmly wedged into the orange. The foil ruff helps prevent hot wax from the lighted candle running over your hand.