Tyler Brooks
The use of candles in Catholic churches and households is a traditional practice. Candles are blessed on the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Mother and are considered one of the greatest sacramentals of the Church. While there is no requirement that blessed candles be made of beeswax, beeswax candles are traditionally used in Catholic churches and are believed to be more suitable for blessing. Beeswax is said to symbolise the pure flesh of Christ, with the wick representing his soul and the flame his divinity. The sweet fragrance of beeswax also evokes the sweetness of God's grace. The use of beeswax candles in Catholic rituals and blessings is thus seen as a way to honour and symbolise the life of Christ.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Candle Type | Beeswax candles are often used for blessings, but other types of candles can also be blessed and used. |
| Symbolism | The light from blessed candles symbolizes Jesus, the Light of the World, and the presence of the Lord drives away all spirits of darkness. |
| Use | Blessed candles are used during important times, such as when the priest comes to give last rites or during times of storm or need. |
| Blessing Ceremony | Candles are typically blessed on the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Mother, also known as Candlemas, which falls on February 2nd. |
| Prayer | During the blessing ceremony, prayers are recited, such as "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, bless these candles [...]" |
| Composition | According to tradition, candles used in churches should be made of at least 51% beeswax to symbolize purity and fertility. |
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What You'll Learn
Beeswax candles are a Catholic tradition
Beeswax candles are a long-standing tradition in the Catholic Church. They are considered to be one of the greatest sacramentals of the Church and are used in many important religious ceremonies. The use of beeswax in particular holds symbolic significance for Catholics. The beeswax is said to represent the pure flesh of Christ, with the wick symbolising his soul and the flame his divinity. The virgin worker bees that produce the wax are also seen as a representation of the Virgin Mary, who gave birth to Christ.
The tradition of using beeswax candles in Catholic liturgy dates back to before the Second Vatican Council, when altar candles were required to be composed primarily or to a significant extent of pure beeswax. The exact percentage was determined by the diocesan bishop, and while current legislation is less specific, the tradition of using beeswax candles has persisted.
Blessing candles is another important Catholic tradition, and this is often done as part of the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Mother, also known as Candlemas. Candles are blessed by a priest using prayers from the Traditional Latin Mass Missals or the Roman Ritual Book of Blessings. These prayers invoke the power of the holy cross and ask for a heavenly blessing from God to dispel the darkness.
Blessed beeswax candles are used in Catholic households for various purposes, including during times of prayer, to ward off evil spirits, and to symbolise Christ's presence. They are also lit when a priest comes to give the last rites and during storms or other times of need.
While beeswax candles are traditional, they can be more costly, so some Catholics opt for more affordable alternatives, such as mixed-wax candles or tea lights, for blessing and use in their homes.
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The candle, wick and flame have symbolic meanings
The use of candles holds a significant role in religious and spiritual practices. In the Catholic Church, the Paschal candle must be made of beeswax, while regular altar candles do not have this requirement. The composition of beeswax candles holds symbolic meanings: the beeswax symbolises the pure flesh Christ received from his Virgin Mother, the wick symbolises his soul, and the flame symbolises his divinity.
Blessed candles are also a part of Catholic tradition, with households encouraged to have at least one. These candles are typically made of pure beeswax and are blessed by a priest. The blessing of candles is often performed during the festival of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as Candlemas. The prayers and rituals associated with these candles express the symbolic meaning of light and its connection to the divine.
Beyond religious contexts, candles have been used throughout history to symbolise various concepts. In ancient times, a candle placed in the window served as a sign of welcome to travellers, representing warmth and hospitality. In modern times, candles continue to be associated with comfort and friendship. Additionally, they are often lit during times of grief, symbolising hope, love, and faith, and are used in funeral rites and grieving practices in various cultures.
The flame of a candle also carries symbolic meanings. In spirituality, a blue flame indicates the presence of spiritual entities, while a red or yellow flame represents mundane energy fuelled by emotions. A smoking flame may suggest that things are not as they seem, and black smoke is associated with negative energy and bad luck, while white smoke signifies positivity and good luck.
The behaviour of a burning candle, including the state of its wick and the way the wax melts, is also believed by some to hold symbolic meanings. For example, a candle that burns cleanly and evenly is generally considered a good sign, while a candle that forms a crater in the centre, leaving wax on the sides, is seen as a sign of blocked energy or an ineffective spell.
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Candles can be blessed at home
Blessed candles are used in Catholic households to symbolise Jesus, the Light of the World, and to drive away spirits of darkness. While beeswax candles are traditionally used in Catholic churches, there is no such requirement for candles at home.
Blessed candles can be purchased from Catholic shops, or they can be blessed at home. Candles for use in the Mass and other liturgical rites must be made of wax, but this does not apply to candles used in the home.
Blessing a candle at home can be done by lighting the candle and saying a prayer. There are many prayers that can be used, and they can be found in the Traditional Latin Mass Missals or the Roman Ritual Book of Blessings. Here is an example of a prayer that can be used:
> O Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, bless these candles at our request. By the power of the holy cross, bestow a heavenly blessing on them, O Lord, Who didst give them to mankind to dispel the gloom. Empowered with the seal of thy holy cross, let the spirits of darkness depart trembling and fly in fear from all places where their light shines, and never more disturb nor molest those who serve thee, the almighty God, Who livest and reignest forevermore. Amen.
The best time to bless candles at home is on the 2nd of February when the Church celebrates the festival of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This day is often called Candlemas, or the Mass of the candles, and is a very important ceremony for the solemn blessing of candles.
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Candles are blessed on the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Mother
The Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as Candlemas, is a significant day for Christians, especially Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and some mainline Protestant denominations. It is traditionally celebrated on February 2nd, marking the last feast of the Christmas cycle. The day entails a procession to the Anastasis, with priests offering five prescribed orations before blessing candles through sprinkling and incensing. These blessed candles are imbued with symbolic meaning, representing Jesus Christ, referred to as the Light of the World.
The act of blessing candles holds special significance in the Catholic Church. According to tradition, every Catholic household is encouraged to possess blessed candles, preferably made of pure beeswax. These candles are believed to ward off evil spirits and protect those who serve God. The blessing ceremony involves prayers from the Traditional Latin Mass Missals or the Roman Ritual Book of Blessings.
During the blessing, priests may recite prayers such as: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, bless these candles at our supplication. By the power of the holy cross, pour out upon them a heavenly blessing, O Lord, who gave them to humankind to repel the darkness." Another prayer found in the Roman Ritual Book of Blessings expresses: "O candles, I exorcise you in the name of God the Father Almighty, in the name of Jesus Christ his Son, our Lord, and in the name of the Holy Spirit. May God uproot and cast out from these objects all power of the devil, all attacks of the unclean spirit, and all deceptions of Satan..."
The blessed candles are then distributed while the Canticle of Simeon is sung, with the antiphon "Lumen ad revelationem gentium et gloriam plebis tuæ Israel," translating to "A Light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." This ceremony is a solemn occasion for Christians, who cherish the blessed candles for their symbolic meaning and protective properties throughout the year.
While the use of beeswax is not mandatory for all candles, it holds symbolic significance. The beeswax symbolises the pure flesh Christ received from his Virgin Mother, the wick represents his soul, and the flame symbolises his divinity.
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Paraffin wax and electric candles are not suitable
While candles are a wholesome and Catholic practice, not all candles are suitable for blessing. Paraffin wax and electric candles are not suitable for use in Catholic rituals and blessings. The USCCB has never permitted materials other than wax for the production of candles used in the Mass and other liturgical rites.
The Church prescribes that blessed candles should be made of pure beeswax. Beeswax traditionally symbolizes fertility and purity, and its fragrance evokes the sweetness of God's grace. The pure beeswax, made by bees, is also said to represent the pure flesh of Christ, received from the Virgin Mary. The wick of the candle represents Christ's soul, and the flame his divinity.
The use of candles in Catholic rituals and blessings is steeped in symbolism and meaning. The light from blessed candles symbolizes Jesus, the Light of the World, and the presence of the Lord drives away all spirits of darkness. The blessing of candles is a powerful ceremony, often called Candlemas, or the Mass of the candles, celebrated on the 2nd of February.
Blessed candles are used in Catholic households and churches for important times and rituals. They can be lit during times of prayer, when the priest comes to give last rites, or in times of storm or need. The Paschal candle, for example, is a very special candle that remains in the church sanctuary throughout the Paschaltide season, reminding Christians of Christ's resurrection.
Therefore, paraffin wax and electric candles are not suitable for Catholic blessings and rituals due to the symbolic significance of pure beeswax candles in the Catholic Church.
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Frequently asked questions
Blessed candles do not have to be beeswax. However, candles used in church must be at least 51% beeswax. Beeswax traditionally symbolizes fertility and purity, and its fragrance evokes the sweetness of God's grace.
Blessed candles are used during important times and are considered one of the greatest sacramentals of the Church. They are lit during prayer, when the priest comes to give last rites, and in times of storm or need.
Candles are blessed on the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Mother, also known as Candlemas, which falls on February 2. They can also be blessed by a priest at any time using the Traditional Latin Mass Missals or the Roman Ritual Book of Blessings.
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