Brooke Martin
The baptismal candle is an important symbol of the light of Christ in Catholic baptisms. The candle is lit during the ceremony and is meant to be kept burning forever, symbolising a new life given by Christ. In the Latin Rite, parents and godparents are reminded that the child has been enlightened by Christ and should always walk as a child of the light. The candle is usually lit on the anniversary of the baptism and on other days of spiritual significance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of the candle | Symbol of a new life given by Christ, the "Light of the World" |
| Who lights the candle | Godfather/Priest |
| Who holds the candle | Parent of the child or a godparent |
| When is it lit | On the anniversary of baptism, on solemn occasions in later life, and on special spiritual occasions |
| Type of candle | White, large, free-standing pillar candle |
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What You'll Learn
The baptism candle symbolises a new life given by Christ
The baptismal candle is a significant part of the Catholic baptism ceremony. It symbolises the light of Christ, or the "Light of the World", and represents a new life given by Christ. The candle is lit during the ceremony and is not to be blown out but kept burning forever. The candle is often lit again on the anniversary of the baptism, to renew baptismal vows, and during other significant life events.
In the Byzantine Rite of Baptism, the godfather lights the baptismal candle from the Easter candle, and the priest prays that the newly baptised person may "shine with the light of faith and good works". In the Latin Rite, the parents and godparents are reminded that:
> "This light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly. This child of yours has been enlightened by Christ. He (she) is to walk always as a child of the light."
The candle is usually held by the parent or godparent during the ceremony. It is traditionally a white candle, which may be decorated with the child's name, the baptism date, and other symbols. The leftover candle stub may be burned to its end on the day of death, symbolising a life that belongs to Christ.
The baptismal candle is a beautiful symbol of the light and new life given by Christ. It is a reminder of the presence of Christ in a person's life and the commitment to faith and good works. The candle is a sacred object in Catholic tradition, representing the joy and celebration of a new life in Christ.
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The candle is lit on the anniversary of baptism
The lighting of the baptismal candle is a significant part of the Catholic baptism ceremony. The candle, lit by the godfather, represents the "Light of the World", symbolising a new life given by Christ. This light is never to be extinguished, reflecting the eternal nature of Christ's light.
The candle is traditionally lit during the ceremony and on the anniversary of baptism. On this day, the baptised individual joyfully renews their baptismal vows, expressing gratitude to God for the sacrament. The candle is lit for a few minutes, symbolising the enduring light of faith.
The anniversary of baptism is observed as a personal feast day, marking the true birthday of supernatural life. Individuals may attend Mass, receive Communion, and perform devotional acts throughout the day. The candle of baptism is lit, serving as a reminder of the sacred commitment made during the initial ceremony.
In addition to the anniversary, the candle may be lit on other solemn occasions throughout life. These include the first Holy Communion, Wedding day, reception of sacraments during serious illness, and at the hour of death. The unburnt portion of the candle is placed at the head of the coffin during the wake, burning until fully consumed.
The use of the baptismal candle extends beyond the initial ceremony, serving as a lifelong reminder of the light of Christ that was received through baptism. The candle is a symbol of faith, hope, and the eternal nature of Christ's love and grace.
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It is also lit on other days of spiritual significance
The baptismal candle is a symbol of a new life given by Christ, the "Light of the World". The candle is lit during the baptism ceremony and can be lit on other days of spiritual significance. While the candle symbolises new life, it is also associated with death. The leftover candle stub can be burned on the day of one's death, symbolising a life that belongs to Christ.
The anniversary of one's baptism is considered a special occasion, and the candle can be lit on this day. This day is often observed by attending Mass, receiving Communion, and renewing baptismal vows. The candle can also be lit at the reception of the Sacrament of Marriage or Holy Orders.
In many places, it is customary to use the baptismal candle on solemn occasions in later life, such as one's first Holy Communion, Wedding Day, and while receiving the sacraments in serious illness. The candle is also lit at the hour of death, and the leftover stub is placed at the head of the coffin during the wake and burned until it is consumed.
The candle's light is a reminder to shine with the light of faith and good works. It symbolises a light that is not to be hidden but intended to shine for eternity.
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Godparents hold taper candles during the ceremony
In a Catholic baptism ceremony, godparents are given taper candles to hold during the ceremony. The taper candles, lit from the Paschal candle, represent the light of Christ that illuminates the darkness of sin and death. By holding the taper candles, godparents signify their commitment to guide the child in their faith journey and serve as an example of the light of Christ. The candle is a symbol of a new life that has just been given by Christ, the "Light of the World", a light that is never to be extinguished.
The godparents' role as spiritual guides and mentors is also represented by the taper candles. They are responsible for teaching the child about the faith and providing support and guidance throughout their life. In some traditions, godparents light their taper candles from the Paschal candle and then use them to light the baptism candle of the child. This symbolises the passing of the light of Christ from one generation to another and the godparents' role in nurturing and passing on the faith to the child.
The baptismal candle is typically lit on special occasions, such as the anniversary of baptism, the day of first holy communion, the wedding day, and during serious illness. It is also lit at the hour of death, with the remaining candle stub placed at the head of the coffin during the wake and burned until it is entirely consumed. The lighting of the candle symbolises the flame of faith that will burn throughout the baptised person's life.
In the Latin Rite, there is a reminder for the parents and godparents: "This light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly. This child of yours has been enlightened by Christ. He (she) is to walk always as a child of the light." The ceremony involves the assembled community, which welcomes and incorporates the child, celebrating its identity in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
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The baptism candle is lit using the Easter candle
The baptism candle is a symbol of a new life that has been given by Christ, the "Light of the World". The candle is representative of a light that should never be extinguished, but rather one that should shine forever.
In the Byzantine Rite of Baptism, the godfather lights the baptismal candle from the Easter Candle, also known as the Paschal Candle. The Paschal Candle is a sacred element in Christianity, made of beeswax to symbolise the purity of Christ. The candle's wick represents Christ's humanity, and the flame, his divine nature.
During the Easter season, the Paschal Candle is kept in a prominent place in the church sanctuary and is lit during Mass and other liturgies until Pentecost. Outside of the Easter season, the candle is kept near the baptismal font and lit during baptisms.
The baptismal candle is typically lit on the anniversary of one's baptism, during which the individual in question will thank God and renew their baptismal vows. The candle may also be lit on other days of spiritual significance, such as one's wedding day, or during serious illness.
The stub of the candle is often burned to its end on the day of one's death, symbolising a life that belonged to Christ.
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Frequently asked questions
The baptism candle is a symbol of a new life given by Christ, the "Light of the World".
The baptism candle is lit during the ceremony by the presider, who lights it from the Easter candle. After the baptism, the candle is only lit on special occasions, such as the anniversary of the baptism.
The parent of the child or their godparent holds the baptism candle during the ceremony.
