Tyler Brooks
The number of candles used in religious ceremonies varies across different religions and denominations. In the Catholic Church, the number of candles used during Mass depends on the type of Mass and the celebrant. For instance, a high Mass or ordinary Mass typically requires six candles, while a Missa Cantata or private Mass celebrated by a bishop requires four. A low Mass celebrated by a bishop requires four candles, while a low Mass celebrated by a priest inferior to a bishop requires two. The candles are usually made of beeswax, symbolising the pure flesh of Christ, with the wick representing his soul and the flame his divinity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of candles for a solemn high Mass | 6 |
| Number of candles for a high Mass | 4 |
| Number of candles for a pontifical high Mass | 7 |
| Number of candles for a low Mass celebrated by a bishop | 4 |
| Number of candles for a strictly low Mass celebrated by a priest | 2 |
| Number of candles for a not strictly low Mass celebrated by a priest | More than 2 |
| Number of candles for a not strictly low Mass celebrated by a bishop | More than 4 |
| Number of candles for exposition of the blessed sacrament in the monstrance | 4-6 |
| Number of candles for exposition of the blessed sacrament in the ciborium | At least 2 |
| Number of candles for simple exposition | 1 |
| Number of candles for solemn exposition | At least 4, with the possibility of 6 |
| Composition of candles | Beeswax, with no more than a minimal admixture of other material, and usually bleached |
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What You'll Learn
A minimum of four candles are required for high mass
The number of candles used in religious ceremonies varies according to the type of mass and the denomination of the church. In the Catholic Church, for example, the Roman Missal indicates that there should be "at least two candlesticks with lit candles" on the altar, with a centrally placed cross between them. This is to symbolise that Jesus was both a human being and God.
However, a minimum of four candles is required for a high mass (missa cantata), which is celebrated without the assistance of a deacon and subdeacon. This is not expressly prescribed by the rubrics but is deduced from the rubric describing the manner of incensing the altar.
At a pontifical high mass, celebrated by the ordinary, seven candles are lighted. The seventh candle should be somewhat higher than the others and placed in the middle of the altar in line with the other six. The pure wax extracted by bees from flowers symbolises the pure flesh of Christ, the wick signifies his soul, and the flame represents his divinity.
The number of candles used can also depend on the importance of the mass. For instance, in the Easter vigil and Christmas mass, all candles are usually lit.
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Beeswax candles are traditionally used
The use of beeswax candles is steeped in tradition and history. In the history of religion, light and fire have been integral to sacred rites, and the use of candles in Catholic ceremonies dates back centuries. The oldest material used for candles is beeswax, and for many centuries, it was the only material used in the Catholic Church for ceremonial purposes.
The Church prescribes that the candles used at Mass and liturgical functions be made of beeswax, and this is adhered to due to its symbolic reference to Christ's flesh. The requirement for beeswax candles was formalised in 1875, and a decree in 1904 clarified that the paschal candle and the two candles used at Mass must be made of beeswax, with other altar candles containing a notable proportion of beeswax. The Bishops of England and Wales in 1906 directed that the paschal candle and the two principal candles on the altar contain at least 65% beeswax, with other altar candles containing at least 25% beeswax.
The number of candles used in a Catholic Mass varies depending on the type of Mass and the celebrant. At a pontifical high Mass celebrated by the ordinary, seven candles are lit, with the seventh candle placed in the middle of the altar, slightly higher than the other six. At a solemn high Mass, which is celebrated with a deacon and subdeacon, six candles are lit. For a low Mass celebrated by a priest inferior to a bishop, only two candles are used, while a bishop would use four candles. In a not strictly low Mass, a priest may use more than two candles, and a bishop may use more than four.
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Candles are placed on or beside the altar
The number of candles used in a Catholic Mass varies depending on the type of Mass and the dignity of the celebrant. Candles are placed on or beside the altar, and there are specific rules and traditions regarding their use.
At a solemn high Mass, when the celebrant is assisted by a deacon and subdeacon, six candles are typically lighted. This is deduced from the rubric that describes the manner of incensing the altar. The seventh candle, which represents the soul of Christ, is not used at Requiem Masses or other liturgical services. If a bishop celebrates a pontifical high Mass, seven candles are lighted.
For a Missa Cantata, or a private Mass celebrated by a bishop on a festival, four candles are required. At a low Mass celebrated by a bishop, four candles are usually lighted, while at a strictly low Mass celebrated by a priest inferior to a bishop, only two candles may be used. In a not strictly low Mass, when celebrated by a priest, more than two candles may be used, and when celebrated by a bishop, more than four candles are often used.
The Roman Missal of 1920 indicates that there should be "at least two candlesticks with lit candles" on the altar, with a centrally placed cross between them. The candles are typically made of beeswax, symbolising the pure flesh of Christ received from His Virgin Mother. The wick represents the soul of Christ, while the flame represents His divinity.
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Candles are lit before mass and not extinguished until the end
The number of candles used in a Catholic Mass varies according to the type of Mass and the role of the celebrant. For instance, a low Mass celebrated by a bishop will usually involve four candles, while a low Mass celebrated by a priest will involve two. A Missa Cantata or a private Mass by a bishop on a festival will require four candles, and two are needed for all other Masses.
At a solemn high Mass, when the celebrant is assisted by a deacon and subdeacon, six candles are required. A high Mass, or missa cantata, celebrated without the assistance of a deacon and subdeacon, requires a minimum of four candles. A seventh candle may be added, placed in the middle of the altar, but this is not used at Requiem Masses or other liturgical services.
The lighting of candles is an important part of the Mass. It is not permitted to begin Mass before the candles are lit, and they should not be extinguished until the end. If the candles go out before the Consecration and cannot be relit, some authors say that Mass should be discontinued. If this happens after the Consecration, Mass should not be interrupted, although some say that if the candles can be relit within 15 minutes, the celebrant should pause the Mass for this time.
The candles used at Mass are typically made of beeswax, symbolising the pure flesh of Christ. The wick represents the soul of Christ, and the flame, his divinity.
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Two candles are carried to honour the chanting of the Gospel at high mass
The use of candles during religious ceremonies is steeped in tradition and symbolism. In the Catholic Church, candles are often used to symbolise Jesus Christ, the light of the world. The use of two candles during a high mass is significant. Firstly, the number two can signify that Jesus was both a human being and God.
The use of two candles during the chanting of the Gospel at high mass is also symbolic. The Gospel contains the words of Jesus, and the candles are used to draw attention to this important part of the service. The candles are also carried to honour the chanting of the Gospel, and the light they emit symbolises the joy and jubilation of the salvation message.
The candles used during Mass are typically made of beeswax, with a small amount of other materials. The pure wax extracted by bees from flowers symbolises the pure flesh of Christ, received from the Virgin Mary. The wick represents Christ's soul, and the flame, his divinity.
The lighting of candles during Mass also has a practical purpose. The number of candles lit can indicate which Mass is being celebrated and who the main celebrant is. The candles are also used during processions and recessions, and are carried to where the Gospel is read, symbolising the light of Christ going out into the world.
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Frequently asked questions
At least four candles are required for a high Mass (missa cantata). Six candles are lighted for a solemn high Mass, i.e. when the celebrant is assisted by a deacon and subdeacon.
Yes, the candles used for liturgical purposes should be made of beeswax. The pure wax extracted by bees symbolises the pure flesh of Christ. The wick signifies the soul of Christ, and the flame represents His divinity.
Many congregations use two candles on the altar to point out that Jesus was both a human being and God.
Yes, at a strictly low Mass celebrated by any priest inferior to a bishop, only two candles may be used. However, when celebrated by a bishop, more than four candles may be used.
