Jessie Taylor
The Paschal candle, also known as the Easter candle, is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is a rich symbol of faith and is considered one of the most sacred and enduring elements in Christianity. The candle is lit during the Easter Vigil service on Holy Saturday night, representing the risen Christ and the light of Christ coming into the world. The term Paschal comes from the Latin word Pascha, derived from the Hebrew word Pesach, meaning Passover. The candle is adorned with symbols such as a cross, the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, and the numerals of the current year. It is used throughout the Easter season and on other special occasions such as baptisms, funerals, and the ordination of priests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Other Names | Easter Candle, Christ Candle |
| Use | Symbol of faith, Symbol of Christ, Symbol of light dispelling darkness |
| Composition | Beeswax, Wick, Flame |
| Inscriptions | Cross, Alpha and Omega, Current year, Five grains of incense |
| Weight | Up to 300 pounds |
| Occasions Used | Easter Vigil, Baptisms, Funerals, Special occasions (e.g. ordination of priests) |
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What You'll Learn
- The Paschal candle is a symbol of faith and Christ, the Light of the World
- It is also known as the Easter candle or Christ candle
- The candle is made from beeswax to represent the purity of Christ
- It is used in liturgies in Western Christianity and is blessed and lit annually at Easter
- The candle is used throughout the year on occasions such as baptisms, funerals and other special occasions
The Paschal candle is a symbol of faith and Christ, the Light of the World
The Paschal candle, also known as the "Easter candle" or "Christ candle", is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. The term "Paschal" comes from the Latin word "Pascha", derived from the Hebrew word "Pesach" which means Passover. The candle is made of beeswax to represent the purity of Christ, with its wick symbolising Christ's humanity and the flame symbolising his divine nature.
The Paschal candle is lit from a sacred fire during the Easter Vigil, symbolising the light of Christ coming into the world. The candle is carried into the church, with the assembly responding with "Thanks be to God". It is placed on a special stand near the altar and remains lit during the 50 days of the Easter season. The candle is also lit during baptisms, symbolising the passing of Christ's light to the newly baptised, and during funerals, as a reminder of the resurrection and life with Christ in the world to come.
The use of the Paschal candle has varied over the centuries. In the past, it was broken up after the Easter Vigil and fragments were given to the faithful. Today, it is kept near the altar or baptismal font and lit during special occasions throughout the year, such as baptisms, funerals, and the ordination of priests. The lighting of the Paschal candle during Easter and other liturgical celebrations symbolises Christ as the Light of the World, dispelling the darkness of death and bringing light and life.
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It is also known as the Easter candle or Christ candle
The Paschal candle, a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity, is also referred to as the "Easter candle" or the "Christ candle". A new Paschal candle is blessed and lit every year at Easter. It is used throughout the Eastertide and then throughout the year on occasions such as baptisms, funerals, and some other special occasions.
The term "Paschal" comes from the Latin word "Pascha", derived from the Hebrew word "Pesach", which means Passover. It relates to the Paschal mystery of salvation. The candle is often decorated with a cross, symbols of the resurrection, the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, and the year. The Alpha and Omega symbolise that God is the beginning and the end.
The Paschal candle is the first candle to be lit with a flame from the sacred fire, representing the light of Christ coming into the world. This represents the risen Christ, as a symbol of light (life) dispelling darkness (death). The candle is made of beeswax to represent the purity of Christ, the candle's wick signifies Christ's humanity, and the flame his divine nature.
The candle is used in the Roman Catholic Church, the Lutheran Churches, the Anglican Communion, and the Methodist Churches, among others. In some communities, it is common for nearby churches of different Christian denominations to make the new Easter Fire together and then, after this, each congregation processes back to their own church with their own Paschal Candle for their Easter Vigil celebration.
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The candle is made from beeswax to represent the purity of Christ
The Paschal candle, also known as the Easter candle or Christ candle, is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. The candle is lit every year at Easter and is used throughout the Easter season and beyond, on occasions such as baptisms, funerals, and other special occasions. The lighting of the candle represents the light of Christ coming into the world, dispelling the darkness of death.
The Paschal candle is made from beeswax, which represents the purity of Christ. The wick of the candle symbolises Christ's humanity, while the flame symbolises his divine nature. The candle is adorned with Christian symbols such as the cross, the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet (Alpha and Omega), and the numerals of the current year.
The use of beeswax in the Paschal candle is significant as it represents the purity and holiness of Christ. Beeswax is a natural substance that has been used for centuries in the making of candles, particularly in religious and sacred contexts. The pure and unadulterated nature of beeswax reflects the sinless and perfect nature of Christ, who is revered as the Son of God in Christian theology.
The process of making beeswax involves the laborious task of collecting honey from bees and processing it to extract the wax. This labour-intensive process adds to the symbolic value of the Paschal candle, as it reflects the dedication and devotion of Christians to their faith. The beeswax candle, with its warm and bright glow, creates an atmosphere of reverence and solemnity during liturgical services.
The Paschal candle holds a significant role in Christian liturgies and symbolism. Its presence in the sanctuary during the Easter season and other important occasions serves as a reminder of Christ's light and purity, offering comfort, hope, and inspiration to the congregation. The candle's size and central placement also contribute to its visual impact and symbolic power.
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It is used in liturgies in Western Christianity and is blessed and lit annually at Easter
The Paschal candle, sometimes referred to as the "Easter candle" or the "Christ candle", is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is used in the Roman Catholic Church, Lutheran Churches, Anglican Communion, and Methodist Churches, among others. The candle is blessed and lit annually at Easter and is used throughout the Eastertide. It is then used throughout the year on occasions such as baptisms, funerals, and other special occasions.
The Paschal candle is made of beeswax, which symbolises the pure flesh of Christ, received from the Virgin Mary, who is symbolised by the bee. The candle's wick signifies Christ's humanity, and the flame, His Divine Nature. The candle is adorned with Christian symbols, including the cross, representing Christ's redemptive sacrifice, and the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet—Alpha and Omega—symbolising that God is the beginning and the end. Other common symbols include the numerals of the current year, which are displayed between the arms of the cross, and five grains of incense, embedded in the candle, usually encased in red or golden wax "nails". The grains of incense represent the Five Holy Wounds: the three nails that pierced Christ's hands and feet, the spear that wounded his heart, and the thorns that crowned his head.
The Paschal candle is lit at the Easter Vigil service on Holy Saturday night. A fire is kindled in a metal bowl, called a brazier, from which the Paschal candle is lit. The candle is then carried in procession into the church. The candle is raised three times during the procession, accompanied by the chant "The light of Christ", to which the assembly responds, "Thanks be to God". The candle is placed on a special stand near the altar and remains in the sanctuary during the full 50 days of the Easter season, where it is lit for liturgical services.
The Paschal candle is a powerful symbol of Christ's Resurrection and Light of the World. The lighting of the candle represents the light of Christ coming into the world, dispelling the darkness of death. The candle reaches its pinnacle at Easter, symbolising Christ himself.
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The candle is used throughout the year on occasions such as baptisms, funerals and other special occasions
The Paschal candle, also known as the Easter candle or Christ candle, is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. The term "Paschal" comes from the Latin word "Pascha", derived from the Hebrew word "Pesach", which means Passover. It is often decorated with a cross, symbols of the resurrection, the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, and the year.
The candle is blessed and lit every year at Easter, marking the resurrection of Christ. It is placed on a special stand near the altar and remains in the sanctuary for the full 50 days of the Easter season, burning during all services. The Paschal candle is also used during the Easter Vigil, when it is carried in procession into the church by the deacon or celebrant, accompanied by the chant "The light of Christ", symbolising the light of Christ coming into the world.
After the Easter season, the Paschal candle continues to be used throughout the year on occasions such as baptisms, funerals, and other special occasions. During baptisms, the candle is placed near the font and lit, representing the new life in Christ. The newly baptised person may receive a small baptismal candle lit from the Paschal candle. At funerals, the candle may be carried in procession and placed near the coffin as a symbol of resurrection life.
The Paschal candle is also used during other special occasions, such as the ordination of priests, the taking of vows, or the Consecration of virgins. During these ceremonies, the flame from the Paschal candle is used to light another liturgical candle.
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Frequently asked questions
Pass’-kul candle.
A Paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is also called the "Easter candle" or the "Christ candle".
The candle represents Christ, the Light of the World. The pure beeswax of the candle represents the sinless Christ, the wick symbolises His humanity, and the flame, His Divine Nature.
The candle is lit during the Easter Vigil service on Holy Saturday night. It is also lit each day during Mass throughout the Paschal season until Ascension Thursday.
The Paschal candle is typically placed near the font and is lit at baptisms, symbolising new life in Christ. It is also carried in procession at burials and placed near the coffin as a symbol of resurrection life.
