Tyler Brooks
Candles are used in various religious ceremonies, with different religions having regulations and traditions regarding the number, type, and placement of candles. Altar candles, which are set on or near altars, are lit during religious ceremonies and may be placed directly on the altar or in tall stands to the side or behind it. Beeswax candles, in particular, are commonly used in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church and are required to be placed on or beside the altar during the celebration of Mass. The type of candle and its placement are important considerations when replacing altar candles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of candles | Two is the most common number, but some religions use six. |
| Candle type | Beeswax candles are traditional, but electric or fake candles can be used as alternatives. |
| Candle placement | Candles may be placed directly on the altar or in tall stands to the side or behind it. |
| Candle holders | Candles should be secured in candle holders such as candlesticks, which can be simple or elaborate. |
| Drip prevention | To prevent wax from dripping, a candle follower (a short tube made of brass, glass, or another non-flammable material) can be placed on top of the candle. |
| Lighting method | Candles should be lit with a lighter or a match, not with breath. |
| Extinguishing method | Candles should be extinguished with a candle extinguisher, not with breath. |
| Wicks | Wicks should be straight and pre-conditioned by burning for at least two minutes before lighting. Approximately 3/4" of exposed wick is recommended for efficient burning. |
| Timing | Candles are typically lit at the beginning of a ceremony and extinguished at the end. |
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What You'll Learn
Safety considerations
Safety should be a top priority when replacing altar candles. Here are some detailed safety considerations to keep in mind:
Storage
Proper storage of altar candles is essential for safety and longevity. Candles should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark environment, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature changes. Horizontal storage is recommended to prevent warping or bending. Ensure the storage area is easily accessible and secure, with no flammable materials nearby.
Placement and Handling
When placing altar candles, always use a stable and level surface, such as an altar stand or votive holder. Maintain a safe distance of at least 3 inches (7.5 cm) between multiple candles and keep them away from drapes, flowers, altar cloths, and other decorations. Place candles in holders that prevent tipping, especially in high-traffic areas. Ensure that the wicks are not twisted and are trimmed to approximately 1/4" (6mm) in length before lighting. Always use a proper lighting taper or lighter to prevent debris from falling into the candle wax.
Monitoring and Extinguishing
Never leave lit candles unattended, especially in an empty church or worship space. Assign a responsible person to monitor the candles during services or prayer times. Be mindful of any draughts that may affect the candles' burning. Avoid blowing out the candles as it can cause wax to splatter; instead, use a candle snuffer or extinguisher. Ensure that the candle is allowed to cool for a few minutes before trimming the wick if necessary.
Wax Management
Altar candles often drip wax, which can stain and damage surrounding surfaces, especially wooden altars. Regularly inspect and wipe away any wax drippings with a paper towel or soft cloth. For more extensive wax buildup, use a hairdryer to melt and remove the wax or apply hot water to melt and scrape it off. Do not use sharp objects to remove wax from delicate surfaces to avoid scratching or damage.
Maintenance and Replacement
Maintain altar candles by regularly inspecting and trimming the wicks to prevent excessive wick buildup. Follow recommended burning times for different candle diameters to ensure proper burning and prevent dripping. Replace altar candles periodically, ideally within two years of purchase, to ensure optimal burning performance and safety.
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Candle type and composition
The type and composition of candles used on altars vary depending on the religious denomination and the specific liturgical function. Here is a guide to help you choose the right type of candle for your needs:
Catholic Church
The Catholic Church traditionally uses beeswax candles for Mass and other liturgical functions. The pure wax extracted by bees from flowers symbolises the pure flesh of Christ received from His Virgin Mother, the wick signifies his soul, and the flame represents his divinity. The Roman Missal of 1920 indicates that there should be "at least two candlesticks with lit candles" on the altar. The current legislation does not specify the composition, but candles for Mass and other liturgical rites must be made of wax.
Lutheranism
In Lutheranism, the normal practice is to use two single beeswax candles set near the extremities of the altar. The Epistle candle is lit first, followed by the Gospel candle, and they are extinguished in reverse order.
Anglicanism
Anglicanism also frequently uses candles in churches. The number of candles on the altar is typically limited to two, in accordance with English use and the Ornaments Rubric of the Church of England.
Composition
When it comes to the composition of altar candles, there are a few options to consider:
- Beeswax: This is the traditional choice for many denominations, including the Catholic Church, Lutheranism, and Anglicanism. Beeswax candles are considered to have symbolic significance in these traditions.
- Stearine: Stearine candles are a type of paraffin candle that contains the additive stearine, which is a natural wax. They produce a more solid white appearance compared to candles with a higher percentage of paraffin.
- Paraffin: Candles made of paraffin can be used, but pure paraffin candles are typically forbidden for liturgical functions in some denominations, such as the Catholic Church.
It is important to note that the specific requirements and traditions may vary depending on the religious denomination and local customs. Additionally, the type of candle you choose may depend on factors such as availability, cost, and personal or congregational preferences.
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Candle placement
Altar candles can be placed directly on the altar itself or positioned on tall stands to the side of or behind the altar. The placement of the candles can vary depending on the specific religious tradition and the type of ceremony being conducted. For example, in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, candles are required to be placed on or beside the altar during the celebration of Mass.
When placing candles on the altar, it is important to use candle holders or candlesticks to secure them safely. These can be simple or elaborately decorated, depending on your preference and the ceremony's formality. Ensure that the candles are firmly seated vertically straight in the candlesticks to prevent irregular burning and dripping.
It is recommended to have at least two candlesticks with lit candles placed on the altar, with a centrally placed cross between them. This setup is considered majestic and beautiful, and it also ensures that the altar's reredos or upper frontal is not hidden. You can also use a row of six candlesticks on a shelf or gradine behind the altar, which is a practice observed in Romanism.
For safety and to prevent wax from dripping, consider using candle followers or wax savers. These are short tubes made of brass, glass, or other non-flammable materials that fit over the candle. Ensure that you use the correct size follower for your candle's diameter, as this will also improve the candle's burning time and performance. Straighten the wick before placing the follower to ensure a perfect seal.
When lighting the candles, do not touch the wick or the follower with the lighter. Extinguish the candles with a candle extinguisher, gently placing it over the candle follower without touching the wick or the follower. Allow the candle to burn for at least two minutes before extinguishing to prevent afterglow and potential issues with relighting.
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Candle lighting and extinguishing
The lighting and extinguishing of altar candles follow specific procedures and vary according to religious traditions. For example, in Anglicanism, candles are frequently used in churches, with no more than two lights on the altar. In Lutheranism, two single beeswax candles are used, while Counter-Reformatory Roman practices use six candles.
When lighting altar candles, it is important to ensure that the wick is straight and pre-conditioned by burning for at least two minutes. A lighting taper should be extended about an inch out from the candle lighter before lighting, and care should be taken to avoid touching the wick or candle follower with the lighter. After extinguishing the taper flame, retract it into the candle lighter tube and then immediately extend it out again to prevent wax buildup. Always use a candle extinguisher to put out the candle flame, rather than blowing it out.
The timing of lighting and extinguishing altar candles also holds significance in religious ceremonies. For instance, in the Episcopal Church, the Easter Vigil begins with the lighting of the Paschal Candle, and altar candles are lit after the Renewal of Baptism Vows. At the conclusion of the Great Thanksgiving, it is customary to extinguish the candles, although this practice is optional and decided by the Rector or Vicar.
The placement of altar candles is another important consideration. Candles may be placed directly on the altar or in tall stands to the side or behind it. Candle followers, or wax savers, are used to prevent wax dripping and maximise burning time. These followers are typically made of non-flammable materials such as brass or glass and should be cleaned regularly to remove accumulated wax.
Altar candles play a significant role in religious ceremonies, with various traditions and procedures dictating their lighting, extinguishing, and placement. It is important to follow these guidelines to ensure the safe and respectful use of altar candles.
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Candle maintenance
Firstly, ensure you are using the correct type of candle for your altar. Different religions have varying regulations and traditions regarding the type of candles used. For example, in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, candles are typically made of beeswax. It is also important to use a candle holder, such as a candlestick, to secure the candle and prevent accidents.
Before placing a new candle on the altar, straighten the wick and precondition the candle by burning it for at least two minutes. This helps to prevent issues with relighting due to afterglow, which may cause the wick to shorten. When lighting, ensure the candle wick or follower does not come into contact with the lighter, and avoid touching any broken pieces of wick or taper, as these may fall into the candle cup and create a double flame.
To achieve efficient burning, it is recommended to have approximately 3/4" of exposed wick. Trim the wick if necessary. Additionally, ensure that the candle is seated firmly and vertically straight in the candlestick to avoid irregular burning and dripping.
To prevent wax from dripping onto your altar, use a candle follower—a short tube made of brass, glass, or another non-flammable material. The candle follower should be the correct size for the candle diameter and cleaned of all wax to ensure optimal performance and maximum burning time.
When extinguishing the candle, use a candle extinguisher and avoid blowing it out. Gently place the extinguisher over the candle follower, being careful not to touch the wick or the follower. Always allow the candle to burn for at least two minutes before extinguishing to prevent afterglow and potential issues with relighting.
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Frequently asked questions
Altar candles are candles set on or near altars for religious ceremonies.
Always use a candle extinguisher to put out the candle flame. Never blow out a candle as puffing cheeks is considered irreverent. Avoid touching the wick or follower with the lighter when lighting the candle.
Electric candles or fake candles that glow or have a fake flame can be used as alternatives to traditional altar candles. Salt lamps or chunks of sea salt or Himalayan salt can also be used to symbolize gods like Poseidon.
Straighten the wick and precondition the candle by burning it for at least two minutes before lighting. Ensure the candle is seated properly, vertically straight, and firmly in the candlestick to avoid irregular burning and dripping.
