Every household in Ireland is to receive a millennium candle to light when the sun sets on New Year's Eve.

The nationwide event, with a working title of Last Light, aims to allow everyone in Ireland on December 31, 1999 to participate in a shared experience to usher in the year 2000.

Candles will be delivered to 1.28 million homes along with a parchment-style scroll for those present at the lighting to sign as a testimony of where they were at the turn of the millennium.

"It is something everyone can do, whatever their age or whatever their location," said Tom Rowley, spokesman for the government-led Millennium Committee.

"People can sit in their homes or gather outside on the street for 10 minutes with neighbours or family as witnesses."

With the last light set to fall earlier in the evening, the event could be marked by children and others who did not wish to stay up until midnight, he said.

"It's a simple event but very symbolic. And it's not religious, it's something you can do whatever you believe in.

-- Risteard MacThomais (uachtaran@ireland.com), November 29, 1999

Answers

"It's a simple event but very symbolic."

Sounds like a lovely ritual. Most years we make a point of taking the kiddies to someplace where we can see the last sunset of the year.

But the name LAST LIGHT just somehow gives me the chills. Let's hope its symbolism doesn't leak over into prophecy.

-- Linda (lwmb@psln.com), November 29, 1999.

That "Last Light" concept is indeed a bit symbolically creepy. I'll be participating in the "First Light" candlelighting the next morning that is being organized by the local Tibetan Buddhists, and adding my prayers to theirs.

-- Firemouse (firemouse@fcmail.com), November 29, 1999.

Hmmm....1.28 mil households. Let's pray all of those people handle their candles well and don't start any fires. THAT could get out of hand real fast like.

Kookster

-- Y2Kook (Y2Kook@usa.net), November 29, 1999.

I hate to be a nit-picker, .... well check that, I guess I really love being a nit-picker on this:

What damn business is it of the government to organize this "celebration" or use taxpayer money for candles? Big government is synonymous with tyranny and even some people here seem more than willing to swallow it.

-- Jon Johnson (narnia4@usa.net), November 29, 1999.

If our government gave out millennium candles they'd probably be red with the letters T.N.T. printed on 'em.

-- Ocotillo (peeling@out.===), November 29, 1999.