Chloe Adams
Christening candles are important symbols in baptism ceremonies. The candle lit during the christening ceremony is given to the child's parents and may be used in future religious ceremonies. Christening candles are often white pillar candles or thin tapers adorned with ribbons, lace, and symbolic decorations like crosses, doves, or Greek letters. They can be personalised with names, dates, and godparents' names. Some families light their child's christening candle on birthdays or the anniversary of the christening.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Symbolism | Christening candles are important symbols in baptism ceremonies |
| Colour | White |
| Style | Simple thin taper with a ribbon, or pillar candle |
| Decorations | Silk ribbons, lace, pear strings, metallic elements like crosses or doves, printed designs on tracing paper |
| Function | To be lit during the ceremony and then kept as a memento |
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What You'll Learn
Christening candles are important symbols in baptism ceremonies
In some traditions, such as the Greek Orthodox Church, godparents are expected to supply three candles, with the main candle being a large, decorated baptismal candle. In other traditions, the church may provide the candle, or parents may choose to decorate their own. Personalised candles are also popular, often including the baby's name, the date of the christening, and the names of the godparents.
The candles can be decorated with ribbons, lace, and metallic symbols such as crosses or doves. Some churches have specific requirements for the candles, such as the percentage of beeswax used. The candle may be kept as a keepsake, lit on significant occasions, or used in future religious ceremonies, such as a wedding or funeral.
The baptismal candle serves as a reminder of the child's new life in Christ and is an important symbol of faith and commitment. It is a way to welcome the child into the Christian community and to celebrate their new beginning.
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The Paschal candle is lit on Holy Saturday and remains alight until Ascension Thursday
The Paschal candle is a sacred element in Christianity, lit during baptisms to signify the Holy Spirit and the fire that John the Baptist promised to those who were baptised in Christ. The candle is also lit during Easter Vigil services on Holy Saturday night, symbolising the Resurrection. The candle is adorned with Christian symbols such as the cross, the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet (Alpha and Omega), symbols of wheat and grapes, or a chalice and host. The candle is typically made of beeswax, with the wick representing Christ's humanity and the flame his divine nature.
During the Easter Vigil service, a new fire is kindled in a metal bowl, from which the Paschal candle is lit. The candle is then carried in procession into the darkened church, with the assembly chanting "The light of Christ" and responding with "Thanks be to God". The candle is raised three times during the procession. Before the candle is lit, the minister may say:
> "May the light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds."
Christening candles, or baptism candles, are often white pillar candles or thin tapers adorned with ribbons, lace, and symbolic decorations. They can be personalised with names, dates, and godparents' names. These candles are lit during the baptism ceremony and held by the child's parents.
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The colour of the candle must be white
Christening candles are often white taper candles, which are thin and elegant. You can also choose a pillar candle, but remember that it needs to be manageable to hold during the ceremony. A white candle will also provide a good base for any decorations you wish to add, such as ribbons, lace, or metallic charms.
If you want to add a personal touch to your white candle, consider printing a design onto tracing paper and pinning it to the candle. This method allows you to include names, dates, and other personalised details. You can also add these details by using simple sewing pins or thumbtacks to attach silk ribbons, which can be trimmed into a cross shape.
Another option for customisation is to use candle labels. You can draw and write on wax paper, wrap it tightly around the white candle, and set it with a hairdryer. This method ensures your design stays in place and can be as creative as you like.
Remember that the christening candle is often kept as a memento, so it is worth spending a little extra to get a nicer quality candle that will burn well and last for years to come.
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Decorate with ribbons, lace, pear strings, and metallic elements
Christening candles are a beautiful way to symbolise the light that will guide your child throughout their life. Decorating your own christening candle is a special way to express your creativity and add a personal touch to the ceremony.
Decorating with ribbons, lace, pear strings, and metallic elements
When decorating your candle, it is important to remember that it has to be held during the ceremony, so you don't want it to be too large or unmanageable. Here are some ways to decorate your candle with ribbons, lace, pear strings, and metallic elements:
Ribbons
- Silk ribbons can be trimmed into a cross shape and wrapped around the candle.
- For a simple look, opt for a thin taper candle with a single ribbon wrapped around it.
- Alternatively, use ribbons to create a bow. This can be made from materials such as tulle, linen, or twill fabric, and combined with handmade flowers, pearls, or sequins for a more elaborate design.
Lace
- Delicate lace bows can be combined with handmade silk flowers, pearls, or feathers for an elegant touch.
- For a more luxurious feel, combine French lace with fine tulle.
Pear Strings and Metallic Elements
- Add pear strings and little metallic elements such as crosses or doves to your candle for a sparkling accent.
- If you're feeling creative, design your own pattern and print it onto tracing paper. Cut it out, then pin or glue it to your candle. This method allows for flexibility, as you can easily replace the design if needed.
The possibilities for decorating your christening candle are endless, and these are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to experiment with different materials and designs to create a candle that is truly unique and meaningful.
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Add names, dates, and godparents
Christening candles are an essential part of the Sacrament of Baptism. The candle is lit from the Pascal Candle and symbolises the light of Christ that the newly baptised now lives by. It is a precious keepsake that can be lit on the child's feast day or when they make their other sacraments.
When it comes to adding names, dates, and godparents to a christening candle, there are several creative ways to do so. One option is to use silk ribbons, which can be trimmed into a cross shape and wrapped around the candle. You can also add lace, pearl strings, and small metallic elements such as crosses or doves. With this method, you can pin or glue the ribbons to the candle, adding names, dates, and godparent information as desired.
Another option is to design your own image or text using tracing paper. You can print or draw on the tracing paper, trim it, and then pin it to the candle. This method allows for flexibility, as you can easily replace the design if the candle burns too low or becomes damaged. It also enables you to create designs for your child's future sacraments and add them to the candle as they grow up.
Additionally, you can use candle labels, which are available as pre-made designs or can be customised using label software. These labels are designed to fit specific label sizes and can be printed at home, offering a simple yet creative way to add names, dates, and godparents' details to the candle.
Involving godparents and older siblings in the candle decoration process can make it a collaborative and memorable experience for the family. Whether you choose ribbons, tracing paper, or labels, adding personal touches to the christening candle enhances the significance of this sacred event.
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Frequently asked questions
Christening candles are important symbols in baptism ceremonies.
The candle lit from the Paschal candle during the christening ceremony is then used to light a special christening candle, which is given to the child's parents.
The Paschal Candle is decorated with a cross, the Greek symbols of alpha and omega, and the numerals of the current year. It is lit on Holy Saturday and remains alight throughout Easter until Ascension Thursday. It is then lit again only for funerals and christenings.
Some people go for a simple thin taper with a ribbon on it, while others choose a pillar candle. It's important to remember that the candle will be held during the Baptism Rite, so you don't want it to be too large and unmanageable.
You can use short pins or a hot glue gun to attach silk ribbons, lace, pear strings, and little metallic elements like crosses or doves. You can also design something yourself, print it onto tracing paper, trim it, and pin or glue it to the candle.
