The Crimson Candle
Story Summary
In "The Crimson Candle," a dying man asks his wife to swear she will not remarry while a blessed crimson candle, symbolizing their love and fidelity, remains lit. After his death, she honors her vow by holding the candle at his funeral until it completely burns out, illustrating the depth of her devotion. This uplifting moral story serves as a poignant reminder of love and commitment, making it a perfect short bedtime story with moral lessons for young readers and moral stories for class 7.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story illustrates the themes of loyalty and sacrifice, emphasizing that true love often involves enduring commitment and honoring promises, even beyond death.
Historical Context
This story draws from themes found in various folktales and legends about love, fidelity, and the supernatural, reminiscent of European romantic traditions and the moral tales common in the Middle Ages. It echoes the cultural significance of candles in religious and ceremonial contexts, often symbolizing faith and remembrance, and can be likened to stories from authors like the Brothers Grimm or the moralistic tales of Aesop, where loyalty and sacrifice are central themes. Variants of this narrative also appear in different cultures, reflecting universal values surrounding marriage and fidelity.
Our Editors Opinion
This story emphasizes the themes of love, loyalty, and the burdens of promises made in relationships, which remain relevant in modern life as we navigate the complexities of commitment and fidelity. For instance, a partner may remain devoted to their deceased spouse's memory, refraining from dating or remarrying out of respect, even as they grapple with their own desires for companionship, illustrating the emotional weight of promises and the impact of love on personal choices.
You May Also Like
The Lark Burying Her Father
In the well-known moral story "The Lark Burying Her Father," the lark faces the challenge of finding a burial place for her father after his death, as there is no earth available. After five days of searching, she decides to honor him by burying him in her own head, leading to the creation of her crest, which symbolizes her father's grave. This inspirational short story with moral highlights the importance of reverence to one's parents, making it a poignant addition to any collection of moral stories for students.
His Fly-Speck Majesty
In "His Fly-Speck Majesty," a Distinguished Advocate of Republican Institutions eagerly awaits the arrival of the King of the Fly-Speck Islands while wading in the ocean, despite having previously denounced kings as blood-smeared oppressors in a public speech. When questioned by the Spectator about his apparent hypocrisy, he dismisses the concerns as irrelevant, claiming to have spoken of kings in the abstract. This small moral story echoes famous fables with moral lessons, highlighting the complexities of ideals versus personal ambitions in the pursuit of uplifting narratives.
The Two Bags
In the culturally significant moral story "The Two Bags," an ancient legend reveals that every person is born with two bags: one in front filled with the faults of others and a larger one behind containing their own faults. This poignant metaphor serves as a lesson learned from stories, illustrating how individuals are quick to perceive the shortcomings of others while often remaining blind to their own failings. As a compelling addition to short story collections with moral themes for adults, it emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and humility.
Related Collections
Other names for this story
The Scarlet Oath, The Blessed Flame, Candle of Fidelity, Crimson Vow, Eternal Light, The Final Promise, Love’s Last Candle, The Sacred Flame
Did You Know?
This story explores the themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice, highlighting how a promise made in the face of death can shape the course of one's life, as the woman’s unwavering commitment is symbolized by the burning crimson candle that signifies her devotion and fidelity even after her husband's passing.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.