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Carolina Curious: Why is it called a 'Candle Tea' when coffee is served?

Members of Home Moravian Church prepare beeswax candles with the signature red trim for the Lovefeast. Image courtesy Kae Roberts

Members of Home Moravian Church prepare beeswax candles with the signature red trim for the Lovefeast. Image courtesy Kae Roberts

One of the traditions in the Triad that signals the holidays are upon us is the Moravian Candle Tea held in Old Salem.
 
In the latest installment of our series Carolina Curious, listener Lydia Ingram wants to know why exactly it’s called a “tea” when instead, it’s a sweet coffee that visitors enjoy during this seasonal event. We take a look back to find out.

The Candle Tea has been a tradition for over 90 years now. It was started by the women of Home Moravian Church in Winston-Salem.
 
The event was created to celebrate the birth of Christ while supporting the church’s outreach mission. During a Candle Tea, you work your way through what’s known as the Single Brothers’ House in Old Salem while learning about Moravian history. In what was once the kitchen for the me

Bethany is WFDD's editorial director. She joined the staff in the fall of 2012. She received her B.A. and M.A. in English Literature from Wake Forest University. Between undergraduate studies and graduate school, Bethany served as the intern to Talk of the Nation at NPR in D.C., participating in live NPR Election Night Coverage, Presidential debate broadcasts, regular Talk of the Nation shows, and helping to plan the inaugural broadcast of ‘Talk of the World.' She enjoys engaging with her interests in books, politics, and art in the interdisciplinary world of public radio. Before becoming editorial director, Bethany was assistant news Director, a reporter and associate producer for WFDD's Triad Arts and Triad Arts Weekend. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Bethany enjoys calling the Piedmont home.

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