BPW has one formal night during the year, and this is the Candlelighting
Ceremony, where members all over the world come together to remember
all the BPW Clubs throughout the world in over 80 different countries.
Every club throughout the world holds this special function each
February/ March to remember the history of BPW International and
its member countries.
Ceremony
| • |
Messages from the International
and National Presidents are distributed by BPW Australia and
club members are chosen to read these messages. It is also customary
in BPW Australia for the Division President to give or send
a greeting, usually read in person or by her representative; |
• |
The international theme is considered not
only through the messages, but usually by selecting a guest
speaker or panel to elaborate on the topic; |
• |
There is the standard version of the ceremony
and a shorter version. The latter is a concession to the midsummer
conditions of Australia. It uses only five candles and omits
the BPW aims which are usually read at the beginning of the
ceremony; and |
• |
An official script for both ceremonies is
available from BPW Australia Head Office, or under Forms in
the Members Only Section. The official script is distributed by BPWI each year as the number of BPW Federations and Associates grows, so use the latest version above.
The candles symbolise the ambitions
and endeavours of dedicated women in many countries, and one version of the candlelighting is below. |
• |
White Candles represent BPW National Federations; |
• |
Blue Candles represent countries with Associated
Clubs; |
• |
Red Centrepiece Candle represents the USA
and the five founding member countries, Austria, Canada, France,
Italy and the United Kingdom are also recognised; |
• |
Tallest White Candle represents BPW International; |
• |
Dark Candle represents troublesome times
in some countries; and |
• |
Pink Candle represents the future; to go
forward with courage and enthusiasm. Although White and Blue
Candles have been specified, any two colours may be used. |
