Brooke Martin
The Paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is made of beeswax and used for certain times during the church calendar, including Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter. The candle is lit during the Easter Vigil, symbolizing the light of Christ's resurrection. The term Paschal comes from the Latin word Pascha, derived from the Hebrew word Pesach, meaning Passover. The candle is decorated with a cross, symbols of the resurrection, and the Greek letters Alpha and Omega. It is typically placed near the altar in the sanctuary and lit during solemn worship services. The making and lighting of the Paschal candle involve ceremonial rituals and hold significant meaning for Christians.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Composition | Beeswax, grains of incense |
| Diameter | 4 inches (10 centimetres) |
| Height | 36 to 48 inches (91 to 122 centimetres) |
| Symbolism | Christ, the Light of the World, the risen Christ, the figure of Christ |
| Uses | Liturgies, Easter Vigil, baptisms, funerals, special occasions |
| Colours | Yellow, ivory |
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What You'll Learn
The candles are made from beeswax
The Paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is used on certain days during the church calendar, including Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter. The candle is lit during the Easter Vigil, symbolizing the light of Christ's resurrection.
The Paschal candle, like all liturgical candles, must be made primarily of beeswax. One benefit of using beeswax is that it has no synthetic scent added, making it safe for people with allergies to use. Beeswax candles provide ample light while remaining cool to the touch, and their yellow or ivory colour reminds people of what Easter represents.
Paschal candles can be purchased or made at home. Candle-making kits are available, containing everything needed to make a solid pillar candle out of pure beeswax sheets, including wicks, decorations, and educational materials about the candle's liturgical importance. Alternatively, a plain beeswax candle can be purchased and decorated at home.
The design of a Paschal candle must include a cross, with the Alpha symbol above and the Omega symbol below. The current year should also be included, either below the Omega or with one digit in each corner of the cross. Additional decorative elements can be added according to the maker's preference.
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They are large in size
The Paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is used throughout the Eastertide and then throughout the year on occasions such as baptisms, funerals, and some other special occasions.
The size of the Paschal candle varies depending on the region. In the United States and Southern Europe, including Italy and France, the candle is typically 4 inches (10 centimetres) in diameter and 36 to 48 inches (91 to 122 centimetres) tall. In Northern Europe, the candle tends to be shorter in height, ranging from 19 to 24 inches (48 to 61 centimetres) tall, and wider in diameter, measuring 3 to 5 inches (7.6 to 12.7 centimetres).
Historically, during the medieval period, Paschal candles often reached impressive sizes. For example, the Paschal candle of Salisbury Cathedral was said to have been 36 feet (11 metres) tall.
The size of the Paschal candle is significant as it is meant to be a prominent feature during liturgical services. The candle is often placed near the altar or sanctuary, where it can be easily seen by the congregation. Its large size also allows for decorative elements to be added to the candle, such as a cross, symbols of the resurrection, and the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, which represent the beginning and the end.
The candle's height and width are carefully considered when it is crafted to ensure it burns safely and effectively during its intended use. The beeswax used to make the candle also contributes to its size, as pure beeswax can be moulded and shaped into larger candles without compromising its structural integrity.
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They are used for Easter celebrations
The Paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. A new candle is blessed and lit every year at Easter. It is used throughout the Easter season and then on other special occasions throughout the year, such as baptisms, funerals, and ordinations of priests. The candle is lit during the Easter Vigil, symbolizing the light of Christ's resurrection. The term 'Paschal' comes from the Latin word 'Pascha', derived from the Hebrew word 'Pesach', meaning Passover, and relates to the Paschal mystery of salvation.
The candle is placed in the sanctuary near the altar and is lit during solemn worship services. It symbolises the presence of the risen Christ and the light of the world. The pure beeswax of which the candle is made represents Christ's sinlessness, with the wick signifying his humanity and the flame his divine nature. The grains of incense inserted into the candle recall the spices used to prepare Christ's body for the tomb. The candle is often decorated with a cross, symbols of the resurrection, and the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, meaning 'the beginning and the end'.
On Maundy Thursday, all candles and lamps in the church are extinguished, symbolising the darkness of a world without Christ. At the opening of the Easter Vigil, a new fire is lit and blessed. The minister cuts a cross in the wax and traces the symbols on the candle, saying words such as: "Christ, yesterday and today, the Beginning and the End, the Alpha and the Omega. All time belongs to him and all the ages; to him be glory and power through every age forever."
The Paschal candle is also used during the Easter procession. It is carried by the deacon, who pauses three times and sings or says, "The light of Christ," to which the people respond, "Thanks be to God." The candle's flame may then be used to light the candles held by members of the congregation, symbolising the spreading of Christ's light into the world.
After the Easter season, the Paschal candle is typically placed near the font and burned at baptisms, representing new life in Christ. It may also be carried in procession at burials and placed near the coffin as a symbol of resurrection life.
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They are lit during the Easter Vigil
The Paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is lit during the Easter Vigil, symbolizing the light of Christ's resurrection. The Easter Vigil is held on the night of Holy Saturday, the day before Easter. The candle is lit from the new fire, symbolising our eternal life in Christ. The candle is carried by a deacon, who pauses three times and sings or says, "The light of Christ," to which the congregation responds, "Thanks be to God." The Paschal candle is carried by the celebrant if there is no deacon.
The lighting of the Paschal candle during the Easter Vigil is a solemn moment in the service. The candle is often carried in procession into the darkened church. The minister cuts a cross in the wax with a stylus and traces other symbols on the candle, such as the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, which represent the beginning and the end, and the current year. The candle is then blessed by the priest, who may chant a prayer.
The Paschal candle represents Christ, the Light of the World. The pure beeswax of which the candle is made represents the sinless Christ, while the wick signifies His humanity and the flame His Divine Nature, both soul and body. The grains of incense inserted into the candle recall the spices used to prepare Christ's body for the tomb and His wounds.
After the Easter Vigil, the Paschal candle continues to be lit during Easter services and throughout the Easter season, or Eastertide, until Ascension Day or Pentecost. It is placed near the altar, symbolising the presence of the risen Christ. The candle is also lit during baptisms to signify the Holy Spirit and fire that John the Baptist promised to those who were baptised in Christ.
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They are symbolic of Christ
The Paschal Candle is a large, white candle used in the Easter celebrations of many Christian churches. It is symbolic of Christ and is often decorated with significant symbols and markings that represent his life and resurrection. The candle is lit during the Easter Vigil service on Holy Saturday and remains lit throughout the Easter season, symbolizing the light of Christ, who is the light of the world.
The candle's decoration typically includes a cross, with the letters "Alpha" and "Omega" (the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet) at the ends of the cross's arms, symbolizing Christ as the beginning and the end. The numbers of the current year are often inscribed below the cross, reminding us that Christ is eternal and ever-present. Sometimes, grains of incense are fixed to the candle, representing the sweet fragrance of Christ's virtue, which fills the world.
Five small marks or knobs, known as "nails," are also usually placed on the candle, representing Christ's wounds: one each for the hands and feet and one for the side wound. These decorations are usually in red, symbolizing the blood Christ shed for humanity. The candle itself represents the Risen Christ, the Light of the World, who has overcome the darkness of sin and death.
The lighting of the Paschal Candle during the Easter Vigil symbolizes the resurrection of Christ and the triumph of light over darkness. It serves as a reminder that Christ is the light that dispels the darkness of sin and death and brings hope and salvation to the world. The candle is often placed near the baptismal font, symbolizing the light of Christ, which illuminates the path of Christians through their baptism.
Throughout the Easter season, the lit Paschal Candle serves as a visual reminder of Christ's presence and the joy of the Resurrection. It is used during baptisms and funerals, symbolizing new life in Christ and the hope of eternal life. The candle is extinguished on Ascension Day, marking the end of the Easter season and Christ's ascension into heaven.
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Frequently asked questions
A Paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is used throughout the Eastertide and then throughout the year on occasions such as baptisms, funerals, and some other special occasions.
The Paschal candle is made of beeswax and is usually decorated with a cross, symbols of the resurrection, the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, and the year.
The Paschal candle symbolises the risen Christ. The pure beeswax of the candle represents the sinless Christ, the wick signifies His humanity, and the flame His Divine Nature.
The Paschal candle is lit during the Easter Vigil, symbolizing the light of Christ's resurrection. It is also lit during the rest of the year for occasions such as baptisms and funerals.
The size of the Paschal candle varies depending on the region. In the United States and Southern Europe, it is typically 4 inches in diameter and 36 to 48 inches tall. In Northern Europe, it is shorter in height, ranging from 19 to 24 inches, and wider in diameter.
