Brooke Martin
In a Greek Orthodox Baptism, candles are lit to symbolise the Holy Illumination, or the Light of Christ, that has entered the hearts of the newly baptised. There are typically three candles used in the ceremony: one large candle and two smaller ones. The godparent holds the larger candle, which is usually the most elaborately decorated, and the candles are often made of paraffin or beeswax.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of candles | 3 (1 large and 2 small) |
| Candle type | Beeswax or paraffin |
| Candle decorations | White tulle, ribbon, or streamers |
| Candle size | Large: 24” or 25", Small: 17" |
| Candle diameter | Large: 1 1/4", Small: 3/4" or 5/8" |
| Candle burn rate | Approximately 1” per hour |
| Candle features | Smoke and drip resistant, pure cotton wick |
| Candle symbolism | Light of Christ |
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What You'll Learn
A Greek Orthodox baptism requires three candles
A Greek Orthodox baptism is a beautiful ceremony that includes the lighting of three candles, each with its own symbolic significance. The use of candles in the Orthodox Church is steeped in tradition and holds deep spiritual meaning.
The first candle, known as the "Lambada," is the largest of the three and is held by the godparent or "nonos" or "nona" during the ceremony. This candle is often elaborately decorated with white tulle, ribbons, or streamers, reflecting the joy and importance of the occasion. It is typically purchased by the godparent and can be personalised to match the style and feelings of the special day.
The second and third candles are smaller in size and complement the larger candle. They are often decorated in a similar fashion to the Lambada, creating a cohesive set. These candles may be purchased as part of a set or individually, depending on the preference of the godparent or parents.
The lighting of these three candles during the baptism ceremony symbolises the entrance into the light of Christ. The candles represent the light of Christ entering the hearts of those being baptised, illuminating their path towards goodness and light. It is a reminder of the responsibility of the godparents, the child's family, and the church community to guide the child towards a life of faith and virtue.
The candles are typically made of beeswax or paraffin, with the latter being more popular due to its slow and calm burn. The candles are designed to be smoke and drip-resistant, ensuring a safe and peaceful ceremony. The size of the candles can vary, with the larger candle measuring around 24 to 25 inches, while the smaller ones are usually 17 inches in length.
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The godparent holds the larger candle
In a Greek Orthodox Baptism Ceremony, three candles are required: one large candle and two smaller ones. The godparent, or "nonos" or "nona", holds the larger candle, which is usually the most elaborately decorated. The candles are adorned to reflect the style and feelings of the special day.
The lighted candle is a constant symbol in the Orthodox Church, representing the light of Christ. It is lit after the baptism to symbolise the newly acquired light of Christ that will carry us through. The candle is also lit a few more times when the child takes communion.
The candles are typically made of beeswax or paraffin, with the latter being more popular. They are decorated with white tulle, ribbon, or streamers. The candles can be purchased online or in local shops, or decorated by hand.
The godparent's candle is a significant part of the ceremony, representing the light that has come into the child's life. It is a reminder of the responsibility of the godparent, the child's parents, and the church community to guide the child towards a life of goodness and light.
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Candles symbolise the light of Christ
In the Greek Orthodox Church, candles are lit during baptisms to symbolise the light of Christ. This is based on the belief that Christ is the "Light of the World", and that through the sacrament of baptism, this light enters the hearts of the baptised.
A Greek baptism ceremony typically requires three candles: one large candle and two smaller ones. The godparent holds the larger candle, which is usually the most elaborately decorated. The candles are often adorned with white tulle, ribbons, or streamers, and can be purchased or decorated by hand.
The lighting of the candles during the ceremony symbolises the illumination of Christ's light in the life of the baptised child. It represents a rejection of darkness and an embrace of goodness and light, as described in John 1:19 and I Thess. 5:5. The candles serve as a reminder of this commitment to a life of light and the sharing of this light with others.
The large candle is lit a few more times when the child takes communion, reinforcing the significance of Christ as the light in their spiritual journey. The use of candles in Greek baptisms is a powerful visual representation of the transition from darkness into light, guided by the love and presence of Christ.
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Candles are often decorated with white tulle, ribbon or streamers
In a Greek Orthodox Baptism Ceremony, three candles are required: one large candle and two smaller ones. The godparent holds the larger candle. The candles are decorated, and it is very rare to attend a Christening where the candles aren't adorned with white tulle, ribbon, or streamers. All three candles are decorated, but the larger candle is usually the most ornate.
The lighted candle is a constant symbol in the Orthodox church, representing the light of Christ. The candles are lit after the baptism to symbolise the newly acquired Light of Christ that will guide the baptised. The candle is also lit a few more times when the child takes communion.
The decorations on the candles can be homemade, and there are many ways to make your candles both traditional and unique. For example, candles can be decorated with a combination of multicoloured yarn and cream ribbons accented with an abalone shell button. Grosgrain and woven ribbons can also be used to accent the large candle, with a sweet corded bow through the abalone button.
Candles can also be purchased online or in local shops, with custom colours available. For example, candles can be purchased as a set with one large candle and two smaller candles. These candles can be decorated with white satin-striped organza ribbon bows.
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Candles can be purchased or decorated yourself
A Greek Christening Ceremony typically features three candles: one large candle and two smaller ones. The godparent holds the larger candle, which is usually the most elaborately decorated. The candles are adorned with white tulle, ribbon, or streamers.
If you want to buy pre-decorated candles, you can find them on Etsy, where many sellers offer personalized, made-to-order items. Dahlia Weddings and Baptisms also sell candles that are "hand-dipped taper candles created from a blend of superior-quality paraffin wax with a pure cotton wick for a slow and calm burn." These candles are smoke and drip-resistant and burn at a rate of approximately 1" per hour.
Portara also offers meticulously decorated candles with "beauty, elegance, and unique charm." Their candles feature many layers of soft white tulle, and all the decorative parts can be removed and reused to create elegant displays.
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Frequently asked questions
Three candles are used in a Greek baptism—one large candle and two smaller ones.
The godparent, or "nonos" or "nona" in Greek, holds the larger candle.
Candles can be purchased online, in a local shop, or through a catalogue.
Yes, candles can be decorated yourself. It may be helpful to look at pictures of Greek Christening candles for inspiration.
