Object Description
A silver-hanging kandili. There are three round sections to it, the lowest being a round silver piece, then a larger centerpiece with ornate vine designs that curl up it, and three handles, also in the shape of vine designs. The top part of the Kandili is in a rounded cup shape with triangles going up the side of it. At the very top of that is a punched-out cross-fence design. A part of this has been folded in. Connected to the top of the handles are three chains; one connected to each handle. The chains are in an elongated shape with a cross shape at each end. They connect to a top piece which hangs.
Origin
Used at St. Demetrios Orthodox Church in Chicago, IL. for over 30 years.
Kandilis are lamps that hang in front of icons in Orthodox churches and personal homes of Orthodox Christians. They are traditionally lit with oil and are lit once a day. The flame represents Christ's sacrifice and the eternal mercy of God.
Kandilis typically tends to be silver but in some cases has a round glass bulb in a variety of colors.
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Citation
Kandili, National Hellenic Museum, https://collections.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/Detail/objects/7523. Accessed 08/20/26.