Tyler Brooks
In many religions, candles are used as a symbol of God's presence. In Christianity, for example, candles are lit during special worship services and seasons associated with key spiritual events, such as Christmas Eve, Advent, and memorial services. Christians believe that lighting candles honors God and reflects on His majesty, goodness, and power. Similarly, in Hebrew tradition, lit candles or oil lamps denote the presence of God, and in the Latin Church or Roman Catholic Church, the use of ceremonial lights can symbolize the light of God's presence or Christ as the Light. In some forms of modern Paganism, such as Wicca and NeoWicca, practitioners may use god or goddess candles on their altars during rituals to represent the deities of their belief system. These candles may be inscribed or painted with symbols of the deity they represent. While the use of candles varies across different religions and beliefs, they often serve as a reminder of the divine presence, joy, goodness, and celebration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To represent the deities of an individual's belief system |
| Use case | Placed on altars during magical workings and rituals |
| Symbolism | Light, life, God, the Spirit, Christ, repentance, prayer requests |
| Ritual | Carved with symbols of the deity it represents |
| Placement | Placed at the north aspect of the altar |
| Other names | God and goddess candles |
| Other use cases | Used during Christmas, Advent, memorial services, prayer vigils, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Candles as symbols of God's presence
Light and candles have long been associated with the divine nature and presence of God. In Christianity, Jesus is referred to as the "Light of the World", and candles are lit during worship services, prayer vigils, and memorial services as a symbol of God's presence. The practice of lighting candles during religious ceremonies is also found in other religious traditions, such as Paganism and Wicca, where candles are used to represent the deities of an individual's belief system.
In the Bible, there are several references to light and candles as symbols of God's presence and glory. For example, in 2 Corinthians 4:6, it is written, "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ." Similarly, Proverbs 4:18 states, "The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day." These verses highlight the idea that light represents God's presence, knowledge, and glory.
Additionally, in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Here, Jesus encourages his followers to be a light in the world, reflecting God's presence and goodness through their actions. The book of Revelation also mentions the image of seven golden lampstands, representing the presence of God (Revelation 1:12).
In some Christian traditions, candles are blessed and used in religious ceremonies and at home. For example, during the feast of Candlemas, which commemorates the presentation of Jesus in the temple, candles are blessed for use in churches and homes. The lighting of candles is seen as a way to honour God and reflect on His majesty, goodness, and power.
In other religious traditions, such as Paganism and Wicca, candles are also used as symbolic representations of deities. Practitioners may use god or goddess candles on their altars during rituals and magical workings. These candles may be inscribed or painted with symbols representing specific deities, such as Athena or Cernunnos. The use of candles in these traditions is a way to invite the presence of the deities into their sacred spaces and honour their power.
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Candles as a symbol of Christ
Candles have been a cherished part of Christian traditions for centuries. They are often lit during religious services and seasonal celebrations, and represent much more than just a source of light.
Christians believe that the attractive attributes of candles point to the Father of lights (James 1:17), who sits on the throne of grace and extends mercy to those who seek Him (Hebrews 4:16). They also believe that lamps were used to symbolize the presence of God in the Old Testament Tabernacle and Temple, and were referenced in the teachings of Jesus. For example, Jesus celebrated the Festival of Lights (also called the Festival of Dedication, or Hanukkah) in John 8. The Festival commemorates how God provided a miracle to keep sacred lamps burning in the Temple, even when there was no oil.
Christians also note that Jesus referred to himself as the light (John 9:5) and called on his followers to be a light (Matthew 5:14). Candles, therefore, remind Christians of the light that Christ brings into their lives, offering spiritual insight and comfort. They symbolize the glory of God—His power and purity, and His abiding presence and faithful promises.
The use of candles in Christian worship is also deeply practical. The practice of lighting candles during prayer can help Christians to focus their thoughts and prayers on Jesus.
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Candles in Christian worship
Fire and light are conceived as symbols of the divine nature and presence in Christianity. Jesus referred to himself as the light (John 9:5) and called his followers, "the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14). The Apostle Peter wrote that being in Jesus's presence was akin to being in a "marvellous light" (1 Peter 2:9).
Christians believe that lighting candles honours God and that they reflect on the majesty and goodness of God. Candles are lit during special worship services and seasons associated with key spiritual happenings, such as Christmas Eve services, the season of Advent, and memorial services and prayer vigils.
The use of candles in Christian worship can be traced back to Emperor Constantine in around 365 AD, who incorporated traditions associated with his Roman pagan culture into Christian practices.
Candles are used in Christian worship for decoration and ambiance, and as a symbol representing the light of God and the light of Christ. They are often placed on altars, in pairs, and are carried in processions, especially to either side of the processional cross. They are also lit by worshippers in front of icons in Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Catholic, and other churches. This is referred to as "offering a candle", as the candle is a symbol of the worshipper offering themselves to God.
The Paschal candle is a special candle held by the priest at the beginning of the service and at other special moments during the service. In the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, it is customary to light bonfires on the Feast of Timkat (Epiphany).
Candles are also believed to create an environment conducive to prayer, helping Christians to relax and focus on God.
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God and goddess candles in Paganism
In some forms of modern Paganism, including Wicca and NeoWicca, practitioners may use god and goddess candles on their altar during rituals and magical workings. These candles are used to represent the deities of the individual's belief system. For example, a candle used to represent Athena might have an image of an owl carved into the wax, or a candle symbolizing Cernunnos could have antlers painted on its sides.
God and goddess candles are sometimes shaped like humans and can be purchased from commercial websites and metaphysical stores. They can also be expensive, so many practitioners opt for cheaper alternatives. One alternative is to place a plain candle in a jar decorated to represent the deity in question. For example, glass jar candles with images of saints, Jesus, and Mary are commonly found in Hispanic markets and serve the same purpose as a god candle. Another option is to use a plain candle and inscribe or paint it with symbols of the deity it represents.
During rituals, the god and goddess candles are placed on the altar, often at the north aspect, although this varies depending on the specific tradition. For instance, Garrick, who follows the Norse Heathen tradition, keeps a pair of candles representing Odin and Frigga on his altar at all times. The candles are carved with runes and hold a place of honor even after the conclusion of rituals and ceremonies.
The use of candles to represent deities extends beyond Paganism and can be seen in other religious traditions such as Christianity and Hebrew faith. In Christianity, candles are often blessed and lit during ceremonies and are associated with the presence of God and Jesus, the "Light of the World." Similarly, in the Hebrew tradition, lit candles or oil lamps denote the presence of God, who is believed to inhabit the Holy of Holies as a cloud of light, referred to as the Shekinah.
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Candles in ancient Hebrew tradition
Candles have long been used in ancient Hebrew tradition, often to symbolise the divine presence of God. In the Bible, light imagery abounds, and the authors of the Bible frequently used images of light to express the inexpressible. For example, in Genesis 1:3, God imposed order on chaos with the words, "Let there be light".
In the Hebrew tradition, lit candles or oil lamps denote the presence of God, who inhabited the Holy of Holies as a cloud of light, called the Shekinah. This is reflected in the Torah, which states that the finest oil that humans could produce, "clear oil of beaten olives" (Exodus 27:20), was required for the seven-branched menorah that stood outside the Holy of Holies. This menorah was to be kindled each evening to dispel the darkness, and its light was for the benefit of the priests and not God.
The use of candles in Hebrew tradition extends beyond the representation of God's presence. For example, during the week of shivah (mourning), a single, long-burning candle illuminates the void left by the loss of a loved one. Similarly, at the onset of Yom Kippur, it is customary for Jews to light a memorial candle to remember their parents. In contrast, the celebration of Shabbat is marked by the lighting of candles at either end, with the number of candles sometimes increasing with the birth of each child.
The widespread ritual use of fire as symbolic language in Hebrew tradition is also evident during Hanukkah. A Hanukkah menorah, or hanukkiah, is a nine-branched candelabrum lit during the eight-day holiday. Eight of the nine branches hold candles or oil lamps, with one additional candle used to light the others. Each night, an additional light is lit until the final night when all eight branches are illuminated.
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Frequently asked questions
God and goddess candles are used in some forms of modern Paganism, including Wicca and NeoWicca. They are placed on altars during magical workings and rituals to represent the deities of the individual's belief system.
In Christianity, candles are lit during special worship services and seasons associated with key spiritual happenings. They are also lit during prayer vigils, candlelight services, and memorial services. Christians believe that candles honour God and reflect on His majesty, goodness, power, and purity. They also symbolise Christ, the "Light of the World", and the presence of God.
During the Paschal Vigil and throughout Bright Week, priests hold a special paschal candle. In the Latin Church or Roman Catholic Church, the use of ceremonial lights can symbolise the light of God's presence or be votive, offered as an act of worship to God. Candles are also blessed for use at church and at home during Candlemas, which commemorates when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to present him to God.
Some people use candles as a form of divination or scrying to communicate with the gods and receive messages from them. Others light candles as a way of reaching out to the gods, expressing devotion, and inviting them into their sacred space.
