Christingle in Norfolk

A Christingle consists of an orange representing the world, a red ribbon around it representing the blood of Christ, dried fruits skewered on cocktail sticks pushed into the orange to represent the fruits of the earth and the four seasons.  A lit candle pushed into the centre of the orange represents Jesus Christ as the light of the world.  The base of the candle is usually wrapped in tinfoil.  The Christingle has its origins in the Moravian Church.  In 1968, John Pensom of The Children's Society introduced Christingle services to the Church of England, where the custom spread quickly.

My affinity with the Christingle Service goes as far back as High School, which had Moravian origins.  Every Christmas we would attend the Service at the neighbouring chapel.  I am so glad to be able to carry the tradition on in my current home town this Christmas Eve.