Tyler Brooks
Candles are used in many Christian churches, including Orthodox, Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, and Roman Catholic. In Orthodox churches, candles are lit before icons of Jesus Christ, the Theotokos, and saints, and are typically long and thin. They are also used during Vespers and the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, as well as during the reading of the Twelve Passion Gospel at Holy Friday Matins. In Lutheran churches, votive candles are common, especially in Nordic Lutheran churches, where they are similar to those used in Eastern Orthodox churches. Anglican churches, particularly those in the High Church or Anglo-Catholic tradition, use votive candles for praying for the dead and requesting saintly intercession. In Methodist churches, votive candles are also used, especially in High Church traditions. Roman Catholic churches use candles before statues of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, or saints. While the color of the candles is not always specified, they are typically described as white or beeswax yellow.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Candle color | Red |
| Religious affiliation | Catholic, Methodist, Lutheran, Anglican, Orthodox, Roman Catholic |
| Purpose | Symbolism of light, prayer, worship, honoring saints, martyrs, and the Blessed Sacrament |
| Placement | Near shrines, altars, statues of saints, icons, symbols, or crosses |
| Container | Red glass containers, round metal frames, or crystal |
| Candle type | Votive, Paschal/Easter, altar, taper, tealight |
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What You'll Learn
Red candles in Catholic churches
In the Catholic Church, red votive candles, also known as sanctuary lamps, are traditionally lit beside the tabernacle to signify that it contains the consecrated elements of the Eucharist, which Catholics believe to be the holy body and blood of Christ. The tabernacle is a metal box that holds any leftover bread or wine from the mass. The red candle reminds Catholics of the presence of Jesus in the tabernacle, and they often pray and reflect on this mystery before it.
The lighting of red votive candles in Catholic churches also symbolizes the rising of believers' prayers to God and reminds Catholics that Jesus is the light of the world and that they are called to be a light to others.
In general, votive candles are lit by Christians to honour and seek help from the saints before whose images the candles are lit. They are also lit to pray for the dead. In Catholic churches, votive candles are sometimes placed before a statue of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, or another saint.
Votive candles are used in other Christian denominations as well, such as Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, and Orthodox churches, although the specific use of red candles in these traditions is not clear. In Orthodox churches, for example, long, thin candles are usually placed in round containers with sockets or sand, and they are lit before icons, usually of Jesus Christ or the Theotokos. Lutheran churches may use votive candles lit at home or in church, often during the liturgy of Good Friday. Anglican churches, especially those in the High Church or Anglo-Catholic tradition, use votive candles for praying for the dead and asking for saintly intercession.
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Red candles in Lutheran churches
Lutheran churches use red candles, also known as sanctuary lamps, chancel lamps, altar lamps, everlasting lights, or eternal flames. These red candles are placed before the altar in sanctuaries, similar to the tradition in many Jewish and other Christian places of worship. The red sanctuary lamp in Lutheran churches signifies and honours the presence of Christ in the Eucharist, indicating a belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the sacrament.
The use of red sanctuary lamps dates back to the 12th century, originating in the Roman Catholic Church. In Catholic theology, the red candle is lit when there is leftover communion bread, also known as the host, stored in a small box called a tabernacle. While Lutherans do not typically use tabernacles, they have adopted the tradition of the red sanctuary lamp to signify the presence of Christ.
The red sanctuary lamp is not limited to Lutheran churches, as it can also be found in Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, and Eastern Orthodox Churches. In these various denominations, the lamp serves as a symbol of the presence of Christ or Jesus in the church or sanctuary. Additionally, it represents the belief in the perpetual light of Christ shining in a sin-darkened world.
Within Lutheran churches, there are also altar candles, which are the two candles placed on the altar. These candles originated as a practical solution to illuminate dark sanctuaries and assist priests with their eyesight during communion services. As such, the altar candles are typically lit only during communion services and not at other times.
Lutheran churches also make use of votive candles, which are lit at home or in church as part of personal or family devotions. These votive candles are usually lit on altar rails or in front of the altar cross, and they are commonly found in Nordic Lutheran churches.
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Red candles in Anglican churches
The use of red candles is prevalent in various Christian denominations, including Anglican churches. In the Anglican tradition, red candles often hold symbolic significance and are used in specific liturgical contexts.
Anglican churches, particularly those adhering to High Church or Anglo-Catholic traditions, incorporate votive candles as part of their worship practices. Votive candles are typically lit for prayers, honouring saints and seeking their intercession, and they are also used for praying for the dead, often placed before statues, icons, or symbols associated with memorialisation and devotion.
The colour red in candles can carry specific connotations within Anglicanism. While the interpretation may vary among different congregations and individuals, red candles are sometimes associated with the Holy Spirit and the fire of Pentecost. They can symbolise fervour, passion, and spiritual fervour.
In some Anglican parishes, red candles may be lit during specific liturgical seasons or feast days associated with martyrdom or the remembrance of saints. For example, during Allhallowtide, especially on All Saints' Day, votive candles are lit, and prayers are offered for the departed members of the congregation.
The physical placement of red candles within the church space can also hold significance. In Anglican churches, votive candles are often placed in front of or beside statues, icons, or symbols. This placement can provide context to their purpose, such as a statue of a saint associated with a particular cause or intention.
The use of red candles in Anglican churches underscores the importance of tradition, symbolism, and devotional practices within the Anglican faith. They serve as visual reminders of the community's faith, prayers, and remembrance of the dead.
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Red candles in Eastern Orthodox churches
In Eastern Orthodox churches, candles are lit before icons, usually of Jesus Christ or the Theotokos (Virgin Mary). Orthodox churches usually only use long, thin candles, which are placed in round containers with sockets or in a container filled with sand. Orthodox churches also usually have a separate place to put candles lit for the departed.
Candles are lit in Eastern Orthodox churches to symbolise the Light of God or the Light of Christ. This is based on the Bible verse where Jesus said, "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12). Orthodox Christians believe that without Jesus, they would be living in darkness, and so the candles represent the spiritual light received by the newly baptised person. The lighting of candles is also accompanied by prayers for the living and the dead.
The colour of candles in Eastern Orthodox churches can vary depending on the occasion or the time of year. For example, red candles are used during festive periods such as Christmas. The use of red candles in these contexts may be to symbolise "drops of blood", as referenced in a miracle that occurred in 1992 on an icon of Christ in the Church of Saint Euthymios of Kypseli.
In addition to their use in regular worship, candles are also lit during baptisms and funerals in Eastern Orthodox churches. At baptisms, the lighted candles represent the fire of Pentecost and the light of the Holy Spirit, symbolising the "enlightenment" of the newly baptised person. At funerals, the candles represent the light of Christ, which it is believed the deceased will receive.
Overall, the use of red candles in Eastern Orthodox churches is part of a rich tradition of symbolism and ritual, with candles playing a significant role in various religious ceremonies and occasions.
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Red candles in Methodist churches
The use of red candles in Christian churches is often associated with the lighting of votive candles, which are used to signify the fulfilment of a vow, to honour saints, and to pray for the dead. While my search did not yield specific information about red candles in Methodist churches, I found details about the use of candles in Methodist churches in general.
Candles play a significant role in Methodist worship services, with a focus on candles with an actual flame rather than electric light. Each Sunday, the Methodist church service traditionally begins with candles lit by acolytes, who are assistants to the ministers, and ends with the same candles being extinguished. The lighting and extinguishing of candles symbolize the entrance and exit of Christ's light into and out of the place of worship, respectively, inspired by the Bible verse John 8:12, "I am the Light of the World."
During the Advent season, Methodist churches celebrate by lighting the candles of an Advent wreath, with each candle honouring each special day. The first two Sundays feature the lighting of purple candles, while the third Sunday, devoted to Mary, the mother of Jesus, includes lighting a rose-coloured candle. On the fourth Sunday, the final purple candle is lit, and on Christmas Eve, the entire Advent wreath is illuminated.
Methodist churches also incorporate candles into other religious ceremonies, such as baptisms, wedding ceremonies, and funerals. The Easter sunrise service, for example, involves the lighting of a special candle called the Paschal candle, which symbolises deliverance and the risen Christ. The congregation then lights their candles from the Paschal candle and follows the minister into the church.
In the United Methodist Church, churches that worship in the High Church tradition utilise votive candles during the liturgical celebration of Allhallowtide, specifically on All Saints' Day (All Hallows' Day). During this time, votive candles are lit, and a prayer is offered for each congregant who has passed away that year.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, red candles are also used in the Episcopal Church, which is a member of the global Anglican Communion.
Red candles in the Episcopal Church are used for prayers and as memorial candles for the dead.
Yes, red votive candles are used in the Lutheran Church, Methodist Church, and Roman Catholic Church.
Votive candles are used in Christian prayer, especially within the Anglican, Lutheran, and Roman Catholic Christian denominations. They symbolize the prayers the worshipper is offering for himself or herself, or for other people."
