MONROE — Turner Hall of Monroe will be turning back the hands of time to a period in the not-so-distant past when Christmas observances were much simpler and without the trappings of modern-day consumerism. At 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1, the public is invited to Turner Hall’s 16th Annual Candle Tree-Lighting and Carol Sing.

Attendees will have a chance to light one of over 100 real candles on a freshly cut evergreen tree, this year graciously donated by Lauren and Lois Meinert of rural Monroe. Formerly a custom that was common in many European and American households before the advent of electricity, commercialism, and artificial trees, the candle-lit Christmas tree had its origins in Germany, probably around the sixteenth century. 

Martin Luther, the German theologian who lived from 1483-1546, is generally credited with originating the use of lights on the tree in the form of lit candles in an attempt to describe to his wife and children the beauty of the snow-covered forest under a glittering star-lit sky. 

The Monroe Brass Quintet will accompany informal singing of carols and provide some festive music while everyone basks in the glow of the lit tree. There will also be sweet treats provided by The Swiss Colony of Monroe.  

Free-will donations will be accepted for Turner Hall’s Swiss Heritage Series. Due to the high rate of COVID-19 indicated by Monroe’s wastewater monitoring, and out of consideration for others, it is kindly requested that anyone with cold, allergy, or flu-like symptoms refrain from attending the event this year. Masking is welcome.