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So what is a Christingle? Even if you haven't heard of the word you'll certainly recognise one. A Christingle is made up of an orange representing the world with
a red ribbon around it representing the blood of Jesus. Fruits and sweets (usually dolly mixtures) are skewered on 4 cocktail sticks which are pushed into the orange representing the fruits of the earth and the four seasons.And finally a lighted candle is pushed into the centre of the orange representing Christ, the light of the world

Christingle services may be held in Advent, at Christmas, or in Epiphany.

Meaning

The meaning of the Christingle will vary according to the season. At Advent it represents the hope of light in the darkness. At Christmas it symbolises the birth of Jesus, Light of the world. And at Ephiphany God鈥檚 light for all people.

But you don't need to attend a service to enjoy a Christingle. Make your own. They're great for getting the children involved in preparing for Christmas. Here's our step by step guide to making your own.

Making a Christingle

Fasten a piece of red sticky tape or ribbon around the middle of the orange.

Cut a small cross in the top of each orange (place it on a tray to catch the juice) and lay a square of silver foil (75mm/3in square) over the cross.

Place a candle on top and wedge it firmly into the orange. The foil will help prevent hot wax running onto a child鈥檚 hand.

Load four cocktail sticks with raisins, sultanas, cherries or soft sweets and insert them into the orange around the base of the candle.

Store the Christingles upright in trays in a cool place. It may be necessary to take off a thin slice to form a flat base. Alternatively use greengrocer鈥檚 fruit trays.

There you go!