Ben Carter
The use of candles in Christian worship dates back to the 4th century, and beeswax candles have been used in churches for millennia. The Catholic Church prescribes that candles used at Mass and other liturgical functions should be made of at least 51% beeswax, with some sources claiming the proportion should be higher. Beeswax candles are valued for their symbolism, the purity of their light, and their association with Christ.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Composition | Must be made of at least 51% beeswax, with some regulations requiring 65% or two-thirds beeswax |
| Symbolism | The beeswax symbolises the pure flesh of Christ, the wick symbolises his soul, and the flame his divinity |
| Use | Lit during Mass and other liturgical functions, as well as by the devout faithful during prayer |
| History | Used in the Catholic Church for centuries, with the oldest material being beeswax |
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What You'll Learn
Beeswax candles are symbolic
Beeswax candles have been used in spiritual rituals since ancient times. The use of candles in religious ceremonies is steeped in symbolism and tradition. Beeswax candles are symbolic in Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, and Wicca, as well as in ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman rituals.
In Christianity, beeswax candles are used in liturgical practices such as Masses, baptisms, and vigils, symbolizing the presence of Christ as the "Light of the World". The pure wax extracted by bees from flowers symbolizes the pure flesh of Christ, the wick signifies his soul, and the flame represents his divinity. The use of light in religious ceremonies is significant, with light symbolizing "joy, optimism, goodness, purity, beauty, festiveness, dignity, and life".
In the Roman Empire, beeswax candles symbolized purity and spiritual enlightenment. The Romans valued beeswax for its rarity and considered it a symbol of abundance, fertility, and prosperity.
Ancient Egyptians crafted beeswax candles to accompany their prayers and rituals, believing that the golden glow symbolized the eternal light of the gods. Similarly, in ancient Greece, beeswax candles illuminated sacred temples, serving as offerings to the gods and conduits for divine communication.
Beeswax candles are also used in Hinduism, where they represent the inner light of the soul and the quest for enlightenment. The gentle flicker of the candle evokes feelings of peace, serenity, and spiritual awakening, guiding devotees on their journey towards self-discovery and divine union.
In Judaism, beeswax candles are integral to rituals such as Shabbat and Hanukkah, symbolizing the enduring light of faith and the triumph of hope over darkness. In the Wiccan tradition, beeswax candles symbolize the element of fire.
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The history of beeswax candles in the Catholic Church
The Catholic Church has used candles for centuries as a symbol of prayer. Candles are blessed during the Liturgy and are considered one of the greatest sacramentals of the Church. The use of candles in religious ceremonies is a universal symbol. Light is seen as a symbol of "joy, optimism, goodness, purity, beauty, festiveness, dignity and life". Christians also find in light the symbol of "truth, faith, wisdom, virtue, grace, divine life, charity, ardor of prayer, sacred presence and the beatific vision".
The use of beeswax candles in the Church has a deep historical tradition. Beeswax candles are considered the most appropriate for symbolizing the humanity of Christ. The pure wax extracted by bees from flowers symbolizes the pure flesh of Christ, received from the Virgin Mary. The wick signifies the soul of Christ, and the flame represents his divinity. The Church Fathers saw several symbolic meanings in the use of beeswax. Some saw the spotless wax as representing Christ's most spotless body; the enclosed wick, his soul; and the glowing flame, the divine nature united with the human in one divine person.
The widespread use of light in worship reflects a truly human appreciation for the appropriateness of the symbol. The use of beeswax candles in the Catholic Church dates back to the Middle Ages, when a rich and detailed symbolism emerged. The use of candles in the Church was also influenced by the ancient practice of beekeeping and candle-making, which was rooted in the life of the Church. For example, monks in the Sapara Monastery in Georgia kept bees and made candles.
There were also regulations regarding the percentage of beeswax in candles. In 1902, the Holy See allowed bishops to determine the composition of candles, adjusting for the availability of pure beeswax. In 1904, the Congregation of Sacred Rites decreed that the Pascal candle and the two candles used at Mass should be made of beeswax "in the greatest part", while other candles should be made of beeswax "in the greater or more notable quantity". In 1906, the Bishops of England and Wales directed that the Pascal candle and the two principal candles on the altar at Mass should contain at least 65% beeswax, while all other altar candles should contain at least 25% beeswax. A 1957 decree for Italy determined that the minimum two candles required for Mass and the Easter candle had to have a minimum of 10% pure beeswax, while other church candles required at least 5%.
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The composition of beeswax candles
Beeswax candles have been used in the Catholic Church for centuries, with the wax symbolising the pure flesh of Christ, the wick his soul, and the flame his divinity. The use of candles in worship is not unique to Christianity, with lamps, candles, and fires used to venerate the gods, the dead, and the emperor in ancient societies. However, the Catholic Church has developed a rich and detailed symbolism around the use of beeswax candles in particular.
For example, in 1904, the Sacred Congregation of Rites decreed that the first-class candles, including the Pascal candle and the candles used at Mass, must have at least 67-75% beeswax, while other candles must have at least 51% beeswax. In 1905, the Bishops of Ireland directed that the Pascal Candle and the two principal candles on the altar at Mass should contain at least 65% beeswax, with all other altar candles containing at least 25% beeswax. Similarly, in 1906, the Bishops of England and Wales made the same decree. However, after the liturgical reform, the General Instruction of the Roman Missal no longer specifies the composition of altar candles, leaving it up to the discretion of the Conferences of Bishops.
The use of beeswax in candles is not just a matter of tradition and symbolism but also of practicality. Beeswax is a very brittle material and must be mixed with small proportions of other materials to create a usable candle. The wick, usually made of soft, twisted cotton string, must also be carefully proportioned to the amount of wax or fat used to ensure a bright, steady flame.
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The use of candles in worship
In Christian traditions, candles, specifically votive candles, are commonplace in many churches and home altars. Votive candles are typically small, white, or beeswax yellow, and are burned as a votive offering during Christian prayer. They symbolize the prayers that the worshipper is offering for themselves or others. The act of ""lighting a candle for someone" signifies the intention to say a prayer for that person, and the candle represents that prayer.
The Eastern Orthodox Church, Nordic Lutheran churches, and Anglican churches often use votive candles for praying for the dead and seeking saintly intercession. In the Roman Catholic Church, candles are placed before statues of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or other saints. The illumination of these candles sometimes takes on the colour representing the saint being petitioned, such as blue for the Virgin Mary and red for martyrs.
The Catholic Church has specific regulations regarding the composition of candles used in liturgical functions. Traditionally, the Church has prescribed the use of beeswax candles, as the pure wax extracted by bees symbolises the pure flesh of Christ. The wick represents Christ's soul, and the flame symbolises his divinity. However, the Church has also allowed for the use of other materials, such as paraffin and vegetable and mineral waxes, with minimum percentages of beeswax required.
While some people view the use of candles in worship as a positive way to symbolise light and joy, others express concern that it may be associated with New Age practices or pagan worship. It is important to consider the potential downsides and ensure that the use of candles does not become a central element that overshadows the true purpose of worship.
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The Easter candle
The use of beeswax in church candles is steeped in tradition and symbolism. The Church Fathers saw several symbolic meanings in the use of beeswax. The pure wax extracted by bees from flowers symbolises the pure flesh of Christ received from the Virgin Mary, His mother. The wick signifies the soul of Christ, and the flame represents His divinity. The sweetest and purest honeybee wax is considered the most appropriate for symbolising the humanity of Christ.
The proportion of beeswax in church candles is regulated by law and varies depending on the type of candle and the region. For example, a 1961 decree for Italy determined that the minimum two candles required for Mass and the Easter candle must have a minimum of 10% pure beeswax, while other candles used in church required at least 5%. In contrast, the Bishops of England and Wales directed that the Easter candle should contain at least 65% beeswax.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, church candles are often made of beeswax. The pure wax extracted by bees from flowers symbolises the pure flesh of Christ.
Beeswax candles are used in the Catholic Church as they are considered the most appropriate for symbolising the humanity of Christ. The Church Fathers saw several symbolic meanings in the use of beeswax. The spotless wax represents Christ’s most spotless Body, the wick enclosed his soul, and the glowing flame his divine nature.
The percentage of beeswax in church candles is regulated by law and varies depending on the type of candle and location. For example, in England and Wales, the Pascal candle and the two principal candles on the altar must contain at least 65% beeswax, while all other candles used on the altar should contain at least 25% beeswax.
