Jessie Taylor
The use of candles during baptism is a common practice in Catholic populations. The candle is symbolic of a new life given by Christ, the Light of the World. During the ceremony, the priest lights the candle from the Easter candle and hands it to the sponsor, who holds it while the priest addresses the child. The candle is lit on the anniversary of the baptism every year, and on other significant occasions in the baptised person's life, such as their wedding day or the hour of their death.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Symbol of a new life that has just been given by Christ, the "Light of the World" |
| Who provides it? | Parents or godmother |
| Who holds it during the ceremony? | Godfather or sponsor |
| When is it lit? | During the ceremony, on the anniversary of baptism, on the day of first holy communion, on the wedding day, while receiving the sacraments in serious illness, and at the hour of death |
| Colour | White |
| Type | Taper or pillar candle |
| Decorations | Ribbons, lace, pear strings, and metallic elements like crosses or doves |
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What You'll Learn
- The candle symbolises a new life given by Christ, the 'Light of the World'
- The candle is lit on the anniversary of the baptism and other special occasions
- The candle is lit from the Easter candle during the ceremony
- The candle is held by the godparent(s) during the ceremony
- The candle is often decorated and personalised
The candle symbolises a new life given by Christ, the 'Light of the World'
The candle is an important symbol of baptism, representing the light of Christ. In a Christian baptism ceremony, godparents are given taper candles to hold during the ceremony as a symbol of their role in the child's life and faith. The candle symbolises a new life given by Christ, the Light of the World, a light that is not to be hidden or blown out but to shine forever.
The candle is lit from the Easter candle during the ceremony. Each family must provide a white candle for each child being baptised. The candle can be decorated with the child's name, the baptism date, and symbols. It is customary to use the baptismal candle on solemn occasions in later life, such as the day of first holy Communion, Wedding day, while receiving the sacraments in serious illness, and at the hour of death.
The leftover candle stub can be burned to its end on the day of death as a sign of a life that belongs to Christ. The candle symbolises the new life given by Christ, illuminating the path of faith and good works. It is a reminder that the baptised person has been enlightened by Christ and is to walk as a child of the light.
In the Latin Rite, the parents and godparents are reminded: "This light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly. This child of yours has been enlightened by Christ. He (she) is to walk always as a child of the light." The candle symbolises the light of faith that the baptised person is expected to carry throughout their life, shining brightly and giving glory to God.
The baptismal candle is often lit on the anniversary of baptism, serving as a reminder of the vows made and the new life received through Christ. It is a sacred object that holds deep significance for the baptised person and their family, representing the light of Christ that has entered their lives.
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The candle is lit on the anniversary of the baptism and other special occasions
The candle is an important symbol of baptism, representing the "Light of the World" or the light of Christ. It is symbolic of the new life that has been given by Christ, and it is meant to shine forever. The candle is lit by the priest or godfather during the ceremony and handed to the sponsor, who holds it while the priest addresses the child. The candle is lit on the anniversary of the baptism every year and on other solemn occasions in later life, such as the day of first holy communion, the wedding day, and the hour of death.
The baptismal candle is typically a white candle, and families often decorate it with the child's name, the baptism date, and other symbols. It is recommended to use a large, freestanding pillar candle that can be burned again on other special occasions. The leftover candle stub can be burned to its end on the day of death as a sign of a life that belongs to Christ.
In some traditions, the godparents or sponsors are given taper candles to hold during the ceremony, symbolizing their role in the child's spiritual life. The taper candles can also be decorated with names, dates, and other personalized elements.
The lighting of the baptismal candle is a significant part of the baptism ceremony, and the candle continues to hold meaning throughout the person's life. It is lit on the anniversary of the baptism and other milestones, serving as a reminder of the individual's commitment to Christ and the new life they have received through baptism.
The candle is often kept in a prominent place in the home as a reminder of the baptismal vows and the individual's spiritual journey. It is seen as a sacred object, and its light represents the light of faith that is meant to shine brightly in the world. The practice of lighting the candle on special occasions reinforces the significance of baptism and the individual's relationship with God.
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The candle is lit from the Easter candle during the ceremony
The candle plays a significant role in a child's baptism ceremony. It is a symbol of the child's new life in Christ, the "Light of the World", and is therefore lit during the ceremony and kept burning throughout. The candle is lit from the Easter candle, also known as the Paschal candle, and is usually provided by the parents. This candle is then handed to the godparent(s) to hold during the ceremony.
The godparent(s) are given taper candles to symbolise their role in the child's life and faith. The candle is often decorated with symbols, the child's name, and the date of the baptism. It is recommended to use a large, free-standing pillar candle so that it can be used again for other celebrations in the child's life.
The baptismal candle is lit on the anniversary of the baptism each year, and on other significant occasions, such as first communion, confirmation, marriage, and death. It is customary to burn the remainder of the candle at the time of death, symbolising a life lived in Christ.
The lighting of the baptismal candle from the Easter candle is a meaningful tradition that connects the child's new life in Christ to the light and joy of the Resurrection. It is a reminder that the child is now a child of the light and is entrusted to shine with the light of faith and good works.
The candle is not only a symbol during the ceremony but also becomes a lasting memento of the baptism. It is often kept by the child as they grow up and can be lit on significant spiritual occasions, serving as a reminder of their baptismal vows and their commitment to Christ.
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The candle is held by the godparent(s) during the ceremony
The candle is an important symbol of baptism, representing the "Light of the World" or "the light of Christ". It is customary for the godparent(s) to hold the candle during the ceremony. This act symbolises their role in the child's life and faith. The candle is usually lit by the priest from the Easter candle, and then handed to the godparent(s) to hold. The priest may then address the child with words such as: "Receive this lighted candle, and keep your Baptism above reproach. Keep the commandments of God, so that when the Lord comes to His marriage feast, you may meet Him in the halls of heaven with all His saints, and may live with Him forever."
The candle itself is usually white and can be decorated with ribbons, lace, and symbols such as crosses or doves. Families often personalise the candle with the child's name and the date of the baptism. It is recommended to use a large, freestanding pillar candle that can be used again for other sacramental celebrations for the child.
The baptismal candle is often lit on significant occasions throughout the child's life, such as their first communion, confirmation, wedding day, and even at the hour of their death. It is customary to burn the candle to its end on the day of death, symbolising a life that belongs to Christ.
The anniversary of the baptism is also an important occasion to light the candle. The child can offer joyful prayers, thanking God for the grace of the sacrament and renewing their baptismal vows.
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The candle is often decorated and personalised
The candle is an important symbol of baptism, representing the light of Christ and a new life given by Christ, the "Light of the World". The candle is often lit on the anniversary of the baptism and during other important life events.
The candle used in the baptism ceremony is often provided by the parents and decorated and personalised. It is recommended to use a large, free-standing pillar-type candle, which can be reused for other sacramental celebrations for the child. The candle should be white, and decorations can include the child's name, the baptism date, and symbols such as crosses or doves. Some people opt for a simple thin taper with a ribbon, while others add lace, pear strings, and metallic elements.
One way to personalise the candle is to use candle labels, which can be designed and printed onto tracing or wax paper and wrapped around the candle. Another method is to use silk ribbons, which can be trimmed into a cross shape and wrapped around the candle, along with other decorative elements.
The candle is a significant part of the baptism ceremony and is often kept as a memento, lit during important life events, and even placed at the head of the coffin during the wake to be burned until consumed.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes. The candle is a symbol of a new life that has been given by Christ, the "Light of the World".
It is customary for the parents to provide the candle. It is recommended to use a large, free-standing, pillar-type candle so that it can be used again for other sacramental celebrations for the child.
The candle is lit by the priest from the Easter candle and then handed to the sponsor, who holds it during the ceremony.
The candle can be lit on the anniversary of the baptism, at the reception of the Sacrament of Marriage or Holy Orders, and after death.
