Jessie Taylor
An altar is a sacred space, a spiritual focal point, and a reflection of one's spiritual self. Various objects are placed on an altar in a purposeful way, such as a cup of water, a stone, a candle, and a feather. Candles are often used as a focal point for meditation, and in religious ceremonies, they are placed on or near altars. The type, number, and placement of candles used on altars vary across different religions and communities. For example, in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, candles are required to be placed on or beside the altar during Mass, while in Lutheranism, two single beeswax candles are placed near the altar. In some traditions, it is considered rude to blow out altar candles, as it is believed to extinguish a soul.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of candles | 2, 4, 6 or 7 |
| Candle type | Beeswax |
| Candle placement | On or near the altar |
| Candle holders | Candlesticks or candelabras |
| Candle extinguisher | Candle snuffer |
| Candle lighting | Before the service |
| Candle usage | For meditation, rituals, or to symbolise elements |
| Candle reuse | Yes, if extinguished before burning out |
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What You'll Learn
Altar candles are used in various religions
In Paganism, altar candles are also used, and there are different beliefs surrounding how to extinguish them. Some believe that blowing out a candle is rude, as it is like extinguishing a soul, while others use it as a symbolic way to end a ritual. Some Pagans also believe that putting out a ritual fire with milk is acceptable, as it is considered to be of supernatural origin and thus treated with special respect.
Altar candles are also used in Taoist religion, with a central lamp on the altar representing the Tao, and two candles to the left and right representing the Yin and Yang.
In general, altar candles are used as a focal point for spiritual practices and to create a sacred space. They can be placed directly on the altar or in tall stands to the side or behind it. The use of candles in religious ceremonies is often associated with the symbolic importance of light, representing the presence of God or other divine beings.
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The number and type of candles vary
The number and type of candles used on altars vary according to different religious and spiritual traditions.
Christianity
In the Catholic Church, altar candles are required to be placed on or beside the altar during the celebration of Mass. The candles are traditionally made of beeswax, with the pure wax extracted by bees from flowers symbolising the pure flesh of Christ. The wick represents the soul of Christ, and the flame symbolises his divinity. The Roman Missal of 1920 indicates that there should be "
Lutheranism uses two single beeswax candles, set near the extremities of the altar. Protestant traditions substitute candelabras for the two single candles.
Paganism
In Paganism, there are no set rules for the number and type of candles used on altars. Pagans may light candles when asking for something or during activities dedicated to a deity. Some Pagans light candles to their deities when they need help or guidance, while others light candles during spellcasting. Taper candles can be lit and extinguished at any time, while jar candles are meant to be left lit until they are completely melted. Tea lights are often left to burn out on their own, and some Pagans reuse these candles unless they have been used in spells.
Spirituality
In general, a lit candle can serve as a good focal point for meditation. Some people create altars in their homes with a candle as a spiritual focal point.
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Candles can be placed directly on the altar or on tall stands beside it
The placement of candles on an altar depends on the purpose of the altar and the beliefs of the person using it. Altar candles can be placed directly on the altar or on tall stands beside it.
In the context of religious ceremonies, various religions have specific regulations and traditions regarding the placement of candles. 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. The Lutheran tradition similarly dictates that two beeswax candles should be placed near the extremities of the altar.
In contrast, some Pagan traditions hold different beliefs about candle placement. For instance, some Pagans light a candle when asking for something or performing activities they want to dedicate to their deity. Others light candles during meditation as a focal point to help them relax.
The number of candles used on an altar also varies. Some sources suggest using two candles, while others recommend four or six, especially for Sunday Mass or holy days in the Catholic tradition. The type of candle is also important, with beeswax candles being considered essential for Mass in some traditions.
Ultimately, the placement of altar candles is a personal choice that depends on an individual's beliefs and the purpose of their altar. Whether placed directly on the altar or on tall stands beside it, candles can serve as a sacred focal point for meditation, ritual, and spiritual practice.
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Candles are often lit to signal the start of a ritual
In Christianity, candles are lit during worship as a symbol of the light of God or Christ. In Catholic and Anglican churches, candles are blessed and lit during Candlemas, symbolising Christ as the Light of the World. In Lutheranism, two beeswax candles are placed at the altar, with the Epistle candle lit first and the Gospel candle last. In the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, candles are required to be placed on or beside the altar for the celebration of Mass.
In Judaism, candles are lit during the weekly Sabbath celebration, as well as during the Three Festivals of Sukkot, Passover, and Shavuot. The Festival of Lights, or Hanukkah, is celebrated by lighting a special Hanukkiyah each night. In Sikhism, lamps are lit during Diwali, the Festival of Lights.
In Buddhism, candles are placed before Buddhist shrines or images of the Buddha as a show of respect. The light of the candles represents the light of the Buddha's teachings. In Hinduism, small clay olive lamps called diyas are lit during Diwali, symbolising the victory of good over evil and light over darkness.
In Paganism, altar candles may be lit to welcome spirits and deities. Blowing out the candle can be seen as a way to symbolically end the ritual and bid farewell to the spirits. In Slavic tradition, ritual fires are put out with milk as the flames are considered to be of supernatural origin.
The lighting of a candle can also be a personal ritual, creating a moment of intention and reflection. It encourages mindfulness and helps one to stay present and grounded in the midst of a fast-paced world.
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Blowing out candles can be considered rude
Blowing out altar candles is considered rude in some cultures and spiritual practices. While the specific reasons vary, they often relate to the symbolism of fire and breath, the potential for wax mess and smoke, and the belief that blowing out a candle can affect the outcome of a spell or ritual.
In witchcraft and paganism, blowing out altar candles is sometimes avoided due to the belief that it releases the spell or intention into the universe, making it vulnerable to being answered by malevolent entities. Instead, practitioners may use a candle snuffer or a glass to cover the flame, symbolically keeping the spell intact and directing it to the intended entity. Some also believe that blowing out a candle is disrespectful to the element of fire, suggesting that air is more powerful.
In Slavic tradition, putting out ritual fires is done with milk, as these fires are considered to be of supernatural origin and deserve special treatment. Additionally, holding one's breath while entering a temple with a wooden sculpture of a deity is a way to avoid desecrating it with mortal breath.
In other cultural and spiritual contexts, blowing out candles is associated with making wishes and granting good luck. For example, blowing out birthday candles is a widespread tradition tied to the belief that one's wish might come true if the candles are extinguished in one breath. However, even in these positive contexts, there is an undercurrent of respect for the ritual, and deviating from the prescribed method may be considered rude or bring misfortune.
In religious ceremonies, such as the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, the use of candles is governed by specific rules. For example, lighting with a match held in the hand is considered irreverent, and extinguishing with puffed cheeks is even more so. Instead, a lighter and snuffer are preferred.
While blowing out candles may be considered rude in specific contexts, it is not universally seen as bad luck or negative across all cultures and practices. The interpretation varies depending on the beliefs and symbolism associated with fire, breath, and the ritualistic use of candles within a particular tradition.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, altar candles are typically placed on or near altars for religious ceremonies.
Always use a candle holder or candlestick to secure the candle and prevent dripping wax. Use a lighter and snuffer to light and extinguish the candle, and never blow it out.
Beeswax candles are traditional for altars in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church and Lutheranism. However, you can use any type of candle that holds spiritual significance for you.
The number of candles varies depending on the religious tradition. Catholic and Lutheran traditions typically use two candles, while Counter-Reformatory Roman practices use six.
Some people believe that blowing out a candle is like extinguishing a soul. In Hindu and Buddhist thought, breath is considered impure, so it is recommended to wave, snip, or snuff out the candle instead. It is generally considered respectful to say a word of thanks before extinguishing the candle.
