Candle fever strikes as blackout-fearing Germans revive festive flames

Rising demand was already a noticeable side-effect of people spending more time at home during the pandemic, said a spokesperson for candlemakers. Photograph: molka/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Germans are seeking comfort in the warm yellow glow of open flames this Christmas, as a revival of festive traditions coupled with blackout fears make candles the target of the latest stockpiling frenzy.

On Sunday, many German households will follow tradition to light the first of four candles on their Adventskranz wreath, which is typically laid on or hung above the dining-room table.