In India, the lamp symbolizes the human body and the flame symbolizes the soul. Lamps are lit to celebrate the eternal life force. It is believed that lighting a lamp on the dark new moon night of Diwali, the darkness of ignorance, greed, jealousy, lust, anger, ego and laziness dispels and the radiance of knowledge, wisdom and friendship prevails. It also brings a message of peace and harmony to the world.