Ben Carter
The Paschal candle, also known as the Easter candle, is a sacred element of Christianity, used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is the largest candle in the worship space and is made of beeswax, with several symbolic adornments. The candle is lit for Easter Vigil and throughout the 50 days of Easter, as well as at baptisms, funerals, and other special occasions. While the placement of the candle varies, it is generally located near the altar during Easter and next to the font during the rest of the year. During Lent, the candle is typically kept at the baptismal font and removed during Holy Week before the Paschal Triduum.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Placement during Lent | At the baptismal font |
| Placement during Easter Vigil | Near the ambo or in the middle of the sanctuary |
| Placement after Easter | In a place of honour in the baptistry |
| Placement during funerals | Near the coffin |
| Composition | Beeswax |
| Symbolism | Purity of Christ |
| Wick symbolises | Christ's humanity |
| Flame symbolises | Divine Nature |
| Diameter | 4 inches (10 cm) |
| Height | 36-48 inches (91-122 cm) |
| Other symbols | Cross, Greek letters alpha and omega, numerals of the current year, five grains of incense |
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What You'll Learn
The Paschal candle is a sacred symbol of faith and Christ's light
The Paschal candle is prepared and lit during the Easter Vigil service on Holy Saturday night. A fire is kindled in a metal bowl, from which a "'new'" and blessed fire lights the Paschal candle. The candle is then carried in procession into the dark church. The candle remains in the sanctuary on a special candle stand during the 50 days of the Easter season and is lit for liturgical services during that time. The candle is placed near the coffin during funeral services, symbolising the Christian's passover from death to life.
The precise use of the Paschal candle has varied over the centuries. Initially, it was broken up after the Easter Vigil and fragments were given to the faithful. From the 10th century onwards, 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 mid-16th century, some candles weighed as much as 300 pounds.
The Paschal candle is a rich symbol of faith and is adorned with Christian symbols. The most prominent symbol is the cross, which represents Christ's redemptive sacrifice. Other symbols include the Greek letters alpha and omega, which signify that Christ is the beginning and the end. The candle may also feature symbols of wheat and grapes, or a chalice and host, for the Eucharist. The candle's wick signifies Christ's humanity, and the flame, His Divine Nature.
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The candle is lit for Easter Vigil and the 50 days of Easter
The Paschal candle, also known as the Easter candle, is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is the largest candle in the worship space and is made of beeswax to represent the purity of Christ. The candle's wick signifies Christ's humanity, and the flame, His Divine Nature.
The 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. It is placed near the ambo or in the middle of the sanctuary. The candle is lit before the arrival of the congregation, and the worshipping assembly then processes into the church, led by the candle. 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".
The Paschal candle is lit with a flame from the sacred fire, representing the light of Christ coming into the world. This symbolises the risen Christ, as a symbol of light (life) dispelling darkness (death). Before it is lit, 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 remains in the sanctuary near the altar during the 50 days of Easter and is lit for liturgical services during that time. Ideally, the candle would be lit 24/7 during this period, but this is considered impractical by most.
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It is placed near the coffin during funerals
The Paschal candle, sometimes referred to as the "Easter candle" or "Christ candle", is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is the first candle to be lit with a flame from the sacred fire, representing the light of Christ coming into the world. It is placed on a special stand near the altar during the Easter Vigil and throughout the Easter season. After the Easter season, it is moved to a place of honour in the baptistry for use in the celebration of baptisms.
During funerals, the Paschal candle is placed near the coffin as a sign of the Christian's passover from death to life. It is a symbol of hope, reminding the family that the deceased is now sharing in the life of Christ. The candle's flame represents Christ's Divine Nature, while the wick signifies his humanity. The candle is also lit during all liturgical services during the Easter season and for all baptisms and funerals throughout the year.
The precise use of the Paschal candle has varied over the centuries. Initially, it was broken up after the Easter Vigil and fragments were given to the faithful. From the 10th century onwards, 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 became common to inscribe the candle with the current year. Over time, the candle grew in size, weighing up to 300 pounds by the mid-16th century. After use, these large candles were melted into tapers to be used at the funerals of the poor.
The placement of the Paschal candle during funerals is not absolute. While it is traditionally placed near the coffin, priests may use their discretion and choose not to do so. The norms indicate liturgical preferences with respect to the symbolic value, but they do not address all the logistic questions that can occur in Catholic church buildings, which vary in size, shape, and style.
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The candle is made of beeswax and must be renewed each year
The Paschal candle, also referred to as the "'Easter candle" or "Christ candle", is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is made of beeswax, with the bee seen as a symbol of the Virgin Mary, and must contain a minimum of 65% beeswax. The proportion of beeswax in the candle is regulated by law. The candle is blessed and lit every year at Easter, and is used throughout the Easter season and then throughout the year on special occasions. It is placed near the ambo or in the middle of the sanctuary during the Easter Vigil and throughout the Easter season. After the Easter season, it is moved to a place of honour in the baptistry.
The use of the Paschal candle dates back to the earliest days of Christianity, with the candle representing Christ himself. The candle is prepared with symbols such as the cross, the Greek letters alpha and omega, and the numerals of the current year. The candle's wick signifies Christ's humanity, and the flame, his divine nature. The candle is also symbolic of light dispelling darkness, or life dispelling death.
The beeswax used in the candle is renewable, biodegradable, and hypoallergenic. It is considered superior to paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum and requires bleaching and the addition of various chemicals. Beeswax was used in candle-making in China as early as the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) and was introduced to Europe during the Middle Ages.
The lighting of the Paschal candle is a solemn moment in the Easter Vigil service. The candle is lit with a flame from the sacred fire, representing the light of Christ coming into the world. The assembly then processes into the church, led by the candle, and the candle is raised three times during the procession.
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The Paschal candle is used in several denominations of Christianity
The Paschal candle, also known as the Easter candle or Christ candle, is used in several denominations of Christianity, including the Roman Catholic Church, Lutheran Churches, Anglican Communion, and Methodist Churches. It is a large candle used in liturgies and is typically the largest candle in the worship space. The candle is adorned with Christian symbols such as the cross, the Greek letters alpha and omega, and the numerals of the current year. It is made of beeswax to represent the purity of Christ, and the flame represents His Divine Nature.
The Paschal candle is a significant part of Easter services and is lit during the Easter Vigil, symbolizing the light of Christ's resurrection. It is also used to bless other candles and objects during Easter services, which lasts fifty days. The candle is lit throughout this time and is often transferred from one person to another, symbolizing the movement of Christ's love and grace. The lighting of the Paschal candle during Easter Vigil is considered one of the most solemn moments of the service.
The use of the Paschal candle has varied over the centuries. In the past, it was broken up after the Easter Vigil and fragments were given to the faithful. However, from the 10th century onwards, it was kept in a place of honor near the Gospel until the Feast of the Ascension, 40 days after Easter. Today, the candle is placed near the altar during Easter services and then moved to a place of honor in the baptistry for use in baptism ceremonies throughout the year.
In addition to its use during Easter, the Paschal candle is also used during funerals, where it is placed near the coffin as a sign of the Christian's passover from death to life. It is also used on other special occasions such as the ordination of priests, taking vows, and the Consecration of virgins. The fire from the Paschal candle is used to light other liturgical candles during these ceremonies.
The Paschal candle holds a rich history and symbolism in Christianity. It originated in the earliest days of the religion, inspired by the Jewish custom of lighting a lamp at the conclusion of the Sabbath. The candle represents Christ as the Light of the World, dispelling the darkness of death and bringing light and life to the world.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the Paschal candle should not be removed during Lent. It is to be kept near the baptismal font during the Lenten season and remains in place until the Easter Vigil.
During the Easter Vigil and throughout the Easter season, the Paschal candle should be placed near the ambo or in the middle of the sanctuary.
After the Easter season, the Paschal candle is moved to a place of honour in the baptistry for use in the celebration of baptisms.
The Paschal candle is lit for the Easter Vigil, each liturgy during the 50 days of Easter, and at each celebration of Baptism and Funeral Liturgy.
The Paschal candle represents Christ and is a symbol of light dispelling darkness (death). It is the largest candle in the worship space and is made of beeswax to represent the purity of Christ.
