Tyler Brooks
The Paschal candle is a sacred element in Christianity, made of beeswax to represent the purity of Christ, with the wick symbolising his humanity and the flame his divine nature. The candle is lit for Easter Vigil and each liturgy during the 50 days of Easter, and at baptisms, it is customary for the Paschal candle to be lit, representing the new life in Christ. The newly baptised person may be given a small candle, lit from the Paschal candle, symbolising the light of Christ passing to each person being baptised.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When should the Paschal candle be lit? | The Paschal candle is lit for Easter Vigil, each liturgy during the 50 days of Easter (through the Festival of) Pentecost and at each celebration of Baptism and Funeral Liturgy. |
| Where should the candle be kept? | The candle remains in the sanctuary near the altar and is lit during solemn worship services until Pentecost. After Eastertide, the candle should be kept in the baptistry or the sacristy (if there is no stable font) and lit for the celebration of baptism. |
| What does the candle symbolise? | The candle symbolises the presence of the risen Christ, with the wick representing Christ's humanity and the flame his divine nature. |
| What is the candle made of? | The candle is made of beeswax to represent the purity of Christ. |
| What is the historical significance of the candle? | The candle originated in the earliest days of Christianity when evening prayer began with the lighting of a candle. |
| What are the customs associated with the candle? | The candle is lowered into the Easter water to be blessed, and its flame may be used to light candles held by members of the congregation, symbolising the spreading of the light of Christ. |
| What are the practical considerations for using the candle? | The candle should be placed on a substantial stand to support its large size, and a candle follower is recommended to prevent dripping and uneven burning. |
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What You'll Learn
The Paschal candle symbolises the light of Christ
The Paschal candle is a powerful symbol in Christianity. The candle, which is made of beeswax to represent the purity of Christ, symbolises the light of Christ coming into the world. The candle is lit during baptisms to pass the light of Christ to each person being baptised.
The Paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. A new Paschal candle is blessed and lit every year at Easter. It is used throughout the Eastertide and then throughout the year on occasions such as baptisms, funerals and other special occasions. The candle remains in the sanctuary near the altar and is lit during solemn worship services until Pentecost. After Eastertide, the candle is kept in the baptistry so that it can be lit during baptisms.
The candle symbolises the risen Christ, as a symbol of light (life) dispelling darkness (death). Before the candle is lit, the minister says: "May the light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds." The candle is then raised three times during the procession, accompanied by the chant "The light of Christ" to which the assembly responds "Thanks be to God".
The Paschal candle is adorned with Christian symbols, including the cross, the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet (Alpha and Omega), symbols of wheat and grapes, and a chalice and host for the Eucharist. The candle is also inscribed with the current year. The lighting of the candle represents Christ as the Light of the World.
The use of the Paschal candle has varied over the centuries. In some traditions, the candle is extinguished on Ascension Day. The candle may also be placed near the casket during funeral services as a reminder of the sacrament of baptism and the resurrection of Christ.
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The candle is lit during baptisms to signify the Holy Spirit
The Paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is made of beeswax to symbolise the pure flesh of Christ, received from the Virgin Mary. The candle's wick represents Christ's humanity, and the flame, his divine nature. The Paschal candle is lit for Easter Vigil, each liturgy during the 50 days of Easter, and at each celebration of Baptism and Funeral Liturgy.
The term "Paschal" comes from the Latin word "Pascha", derived from the Hebrew word "Pesach", meaning Passover. The word is also connected to the Hebrew word "pesah", meaning deliverance. Thus, the candle connects the Resurrection to the Exodus. The Paschal candle is one of the most sacred and enduring elements in Christianity.
The precise use of the Paschal candle has varied over the centuries. In the 10th century, it was kept in a place of honour near the Gospel until the Feast of the Ascension, 40 days after Easter. By the 12th century, it was common to inscribe the candle with the current year. Over time, the candle grew in size, and by the 16th century, some weighed as much as 300 pounds.
The Paschal candle is lit during the Easter Vigil service, symbolising the light of Christ coming into the world. The candle is raised three times during the procession, accompanied by the chant "The light of Christ", to which the assembly responds, "Thanks be to God".
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The candle is made of beeswax to represent the purity of Christ
The Paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is used throughout the Eastertide and then throughout the year on occasions such as baptisms, funerals, and some other special occasions. The candle is lit during all baptisms throughout the year, passing the light of Christ to each person being baptised. The candle is made of beeswax to represent the purity of Christ.
Beeswax has traditionally been used to symbolise fertility and purity, and the beeswax's fragrance evokes the sweetness of God's grace. The pure wax, made by virginal bees, is said to represent the pure flesh of Christ, born of the Virgin Mary. The candle's wick represents Christ's humanity, and the flame symbolises His Divine Nature. The burning candle gives off a sweet aroma, reminding us of the presence of God.
The use of light in religious ceremonies is a powerful symbol. Light symbolises joy, optimism, goodness, purity, beauty, festiveness, dignity, and life. It is opposed to darkness, which signifies sadness, ignorance, death, error, and evil. Christians also interpret light as the symbol of truth, faith, wisdom, virtue, grace, divine life, charity, ardour of prayer, sacred presence, and the beatific vision.
The Paschal candle is lit at a baptism to signify the Holy Spirit and the fire that John the Baptist promised to those who were baptised in Christ. The candle is lit before the service to witness the presence of the risen Lord as people arrive. The newly baptised are given candles, and votive candles stand in for the believer at prayer.
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The candle is placed near the coffin during funeral liturgies
The Paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is made of beeswax to represent the purity of Christ, and its wick signifies Christ's humanity, while the flame symbolises His Divine Nature. The candle is lit for liturgical services during the 50 days of Easter, from Easter to Pentecost, and is also lit during baptisms and funeral liturgies.
The Paschal candle is placed near the coffin during funeral liturgies as a symbol of the resurrection of Christ and the certainty of resurrection and life with Christ in the world to come. The candle is also lit during the funeral liturgy to signify the sacrament of baptism, which is itself a death and resurrection in Christ.
The use of the Paschal candle during funeral liturgies is not mandatory and there may be good practical reasons for an alternative location. In non-parish churches and oratories where baptisms are rare and there is no stable font, the Paschal candle can be kept in the sacristy when not in use.
The Paschal candle is also known as the Easter Candle, and it originated in the earliest days of Christianity, when evening prayer began with the lighting of a candle. The candle is typically lit from a sacred fire, representing the light of Christ coming into the world.
The placement of the Paschal candle near the coffin during funeral liturgies is thus a symbolic reminder of Christ's presence, victory over sin and death, and the promise of eternal life.
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The candle is lit during the Easter Vigil service
The Paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is made of beeswax to represent the purity of Christ, with the wick signifying his humanity and the flame his divine nature. The candle is lit during the Easter Vigil service, which is the highest point of the Church's liturgical life, commemorating Christ's resurrection from the dead. The lighting of the candle symbolises the light of Christ coming into the world and dispelling the darkness of death.
The Easter Vigil is held on the night of Holy Saturday, and the ceremonial preparation, dedication, and lighting of the Paschal candle is one of the most solemn moments of the service. The church is initially in darkness, symbolising the darkness of a world without Christ. Then, a fire is lit and blessed, and the minister cuts a cross in the wax of the Paschal candle with a stylus. The minister may also trace other symbols on the candle, such as the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, which represent that Christ is the beginning and the end, and the current year. The minister may also push five pieces of incense, or "nails", into the candle to symbolise the five wounds of Christ.
Once the Paschal candle is prepared, the minister says words to the effect of: "May the light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds." The candle is then raised three times during the procession into the church, accompanied by the chant "The light of Christ", to which the assembly responds, "Thanks be to God". The lighting of the Paschal candle during the Easter Vigil service represents the risen Christ and the light of life overcoming the darkness of death.
The Paschal candle is used throughout the Easter season and is lit for liturgical services during this time. It is placed in the sanctuary near the altar and is lit during baptisms throughout the year, symbolising the Holy Spirit and fire that John the Baptist promised to those baptised in Christ. The candles of the newly baptised are lit from the Paschal candle, passing the light of Christ to each person. The candle may also be used at funeral services, placed next to the casket, symbolising the sacrament of baptism as a death and resurrection in Christ.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Paschal candle is lit at baptisms to signify the Holy Spirit and fire that John the Baptist promised to those who were baptised in Christ.
The candle, made of beeswax to represent the purity of Christ, symbolises the light of Christ coming into the world.
After Eastertide, the candle should be kept in the baptistry, so it can be lit for the celebration of baptism.
The Paschal candle originated in the earliest days of Christianity, when evening prayer began with the lighting of a candle.
