Brooke Martin
Candles have been an important part of the church environment for centuries, with light serving as a manifestation of God and a representation of Christ. In this guide, we will explore the different types of candles used in churches, their symbolic meanings, and the various ways to display them safely and aesthetically. From traditional votive candles to altar candles, each type of candle has its own significance and placement within the church setting. We will also discuss the different candleholders, stands, and safety precautions to consider when setting up a candle display, ensuring that your church candles are well-maintained and cared for.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Candle type | Votive, taper, tealight, pillar |
| Candle placement | Altar, pavement lights beside the altar, reredos behind the altar, gradine, altar cross, bye-altar, statue of Jesus, Blessed Virgin Mary, or other saints |
| Candle holders | Votive stands, candle followers, candlesticks, candelabra |
| Candle maintenance | Keep candles at least 10 cm apart, place on a flat and stable surface, upright wick, use a taper to light, use a candle snuffer to extinguish |
| Symbolism | Light of Christ, light of the gospel, act of love and devotion, prolonging prayers, remembrance of the dead |
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What You'll Learn
Candle placement: on the altar, behind it, or in front of statues
When it comes to candle placement in a church, there are several options available, each with its own set of considerations and potential benefits. Here are some detailed instructions and ideas for placing candles on the altar, behind it, or in front of statues:
On the Altar
Placing candles directly on the altar is a common practice in many religious traditions, including the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church. The number of candles placed on the altar can vary, but it is typically recommended to have at least two candlesticks with lit candles. In some cases, a centrally placed cross may be positioned between the two candles. It is also important to ensure that the candles are secured in candle holders or candlesticks to prevent wax from dripping onto the altar. During the Middle Ages, it was common to use beeswax candles for divine service in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church.
Behind the Altar
Another option for candle placement is to position them behind the altar on a shelf or gradine. This practice is often associated with Romanism and is less common in English and north European churches. However, it can be a visually appealing way to enhance the altar area. Similar to candles placed on the altar, those placed behind it should also be secured in candle holders to prevent wax dripping.
In Front of Statues
Candles are often placed in front of statues of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or other saints, especially in older or traditional Roman Catholic churches. This practice is known as votive candle placement, where the lighting of the candle fulfils a vow, honours the saint, or seeks their help. Votive candles can vary in size and type, from long taper candles to tealight candles. Tealight candles can be placed directly on a platform in front of the statue, while longer candles may require special holders.
Other Placement Considerations
In addition to the locations mentioned above, candles can also be placed near the altar, such as on the pavement or the corners of the sanctuary. The number of candles used can vary depending on the size of the space and the specific liturgical traditions being followed. For example, during the Paschal season, some churches may opt to have only one Paschal candle standing immediately at the entrance to the sanctuary in front of the altar. Additionally, the type of wax used in the candles can be significant, with beeswax candles symbolizing the pure flesh of Christ in Catholic tradition.
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Candle types: votive, taper, pillar, or tea light
When setting up a candle display at church, there are several types of candles to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and purposes. Here is an overview of four common types of candles used in churches: votive, taper, pillar, and tea light.
Votive candles are small candles, typically white or beeswax yellow, and are often used in Christian denominations such as Anglican, Lutheran, and Roman Catholic. These candles symbolize the prayers of the worshippers and are usually placed before a statue of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or a saint. They can also be used to pray for the dead and seek saintly intercession. Votive candles are made from various types of wax, including paraffin, soy wax, or beeswax, and come in different grades with distinct melting points.
Taper candles are long and thin candles that can be used as votive candles. They are often placed in special holders or candle rings and are available in a variety of colours and sizes. Taper candles provide an elegant and warm glow to any space and can be incorporated into elaborate displays with candles of varying heights.
Pillar candles are larger candles that are hand-poured in layers, resulting in unique colour variations and shading. They come in a range of sizes and aromas, allowing for customization to match any aesthetic preferences.
Tea light candles are small, delicate candles that provide a subtle point of light. They are often placed in holders or directly on a platform and come in clear cups that showcase their coloured wax. Tea light candles have a burn time of approximately 4-6 hours and are known for their exquisite scent.
Each type of candle has its own distinct characteristics and purposes, allowing for flexibility in creating meaningful and aesthetically pleasing displays at church.
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Candle holders: candlesticks, candle followers, or candelabras
Candles are an important part of the church environment, symbolizing the light of Christ, the light of the gospel, or the simple reminder that the time and space for worship are sacred. They are also used to show devotion to Christ and to demonstrate one's faith.
Candle holders are an important consideration when setting up a candle display at church. The type of candle holder chosen will depend on the type of candle being used and the desired effect. Here are some options:
Candlesticks
Candlesticks are a type of candle holder that can be simple or elaborate in design. They are typically used for altar candles and are placed on or near altars for religious ceremonies. In the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, for example, candles are required to be placed on or beside the altar during the celebration of Mass. Candlesticks can be made of various materials, such as brass or glass, and are often used in pairs.
Candle Followers
Candle followers are short tubes made of non-flammable materials such as brass or glass. They are placed on top of candles to prevent wax from dripping and spilling onto altar linens or other surfaces. Candle followers are important for safety and maintaining a clean candle display.
Candelabras
Candelabras are a type of candle holder that can hold multiple candles. They are often hung from the roof or ceiling of a church, providing a dramatic effect. Candelabras can also be used as substitutes for single candles on an altar, as seen in some Protestant traditions.
When setting up a candle display at church, it is important to consider the safety guidelines. Candles should be placed on a flat and stable surface, with enough space between them to prevent melting and dripping. It is also important to ensure that wicks are trimmed and upright, and to use a candle snuffer or taper to extinguish the flame instead of blowing on it directly.
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Candle spacing: 10cm apart to prevent melting
When setting up a candle display in a church, it is important to consider the spacing between candles to prevent melting. Candles should be placed at least 10 cm apart to avoid unnecessary melting caused by neighbouring candles. This is an important consideration to ensure the candles do not cause any damage to their surroundings.
Candles have been used in churches for centuries and hold symbolic significance in Christian liturgical traditions. They represent the light of Christ or the gospel, and their illumination enhances the beauty of the church and underscores the sacredness of the worship space and time. In addition to their symbolic value, candles also serve a practical purpose by providing additional light during worship services.
The placement of candles in a church setting can vary. They may be placed on the altar, on a reredos behind the altar, or on pavement lights beside the altar. In some traditions, such as the Lutheran church, two single candles are placed near the extremities of the altar, while in Anglicanism, candles are used frequently and may be placed directly on the altar or in tall stands to the side or behind it.
To ensure the safety and longevity of the candles, it is important to follow certain guidelines. Aside from proper spacing, candles should be placed on a flat, stable, and level surface. The wicks should be upright, and if a new wick is too long, it should be trimmed to around half an inch to prevent large flames and dripping. Using a taper to light the candles is preferable to matches or other lighting materials as it helps prevent materials from dropping onto the candle.
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Candle maintenance: upright wicks, clean candles, and use of snuffers
To ensure your candles remain in good condition, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, it is important to keep wicks upright and centred. If a wick breaks, taking part of the wick with it, do not trim it. Instead, ensure that the remaining wick is long enough to light. As a rule of thumb, wicks should be at least 1/4 inch long.
To achieve an optimal burn, it is recommended to trim the wick before each use. This will help to prevent soot buildup and encourage an even burn. To trim the wick, wait for the wax to cool, then use a sharp implement, such as a wick trimmer or scissors, to cut the wick to the recommended length, usually stated on the candle's bottom label. This will help to maintain a steady flame and prolong the life of your candle.
To extinguish the candle, avoid blowing it out, as this can cause splattering and soot. Instead, use a candle snuffer to gently hover over the wick without dipping it into the wax. This will prevent debris from dropping into the wax and protect the quality of your candle. Alternatively, a wick dipper can be used to extinguish the flame by submerging the wick in the wax, which conditions the wick for future burns.
To clean your candles, regularly wipe them down to keep them free from dust and debris. If using a candle snuffer, ensure you clean it after each use by soaking the bell-shaped portion in boiling water to remove any wax buildup.
Finally, it is recommended to burn candles for no more than 4-6 hours at a time to prevent overheating, which can lead to uneven burns and excess smoke. By following these simple steps, you can ensure your candles remain in optimal condition and provide a pleasant experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Votive candles, also known as prayer candles, are small candles, typically white or beeswax yellow, that are burned as a votive offering during Christian prayer.
Candles are an important part of the church environment and hold a lot of meaning. They are used to show devotion to Christ and symbolise the light of Christ or the light of the gospel.
Candles can be placed on the altar, on a reredos behind the altar, or on pavement lights beside the altar. They should be placed on a flat and stable surface and kept at least 10cm apart to prevent melting.
Votive candles are typically small, measuring about two inches tall by one and a half inches in diameter. However, they can also be significantly taller and wider. Candles used in church can vary from long, taper-type candles to tealight candles.
Candles should be lit and extinguished with a lighter and snuffer, not by blowing on them. The wick should be upright and trimmed to around half an inch for new candles. Candles should also be kept away from direct sunlight and warm environments to prevent melting.
