Chloe Adams
Candles are a staple in the Catholic faith and are used in many different types of religious activities, including mass, vigils, and baptism ceremonies. They are also lit during prayer and are often placed before a statue or sacred image of Jesus or a saint. These candles are known as votive candles, and they are usually cylindrical and unscented. They are made from different types of waxes, including paraffin, soy wax, beeswax, or tallow, and come in varying colors and sizes. Some even have decorative patterns depicting religious symbols. The lighting of candles invokes the presence of Christ, the Light of the World, and represents the hope he brings to the world.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Votive candles, Catholic prayer candles |
| Description | Cylindrical and often unscented |
| Material | Beeswax, tallow, paraffin, soy wax |
| Colors | Varying colors |
| Sizes | Varying sizes |
| Religious Significance | Symbolize Christ, the light of the world |
| Usage | Lit during prayer and ceremonies like mass, vigils, and baptisms |
| Other Names | Paschal candles, Advent candles, Easter candles |
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What You'll Learn
Votive candles
In the Roman Catholic Church, candles are often placed before a statue of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or another saint. These are known as votive candles, and they are lit in fulfillment of a vow (from the Latin "votum"). While the vow may be the literal reason for lighting the candle, the intention is usually to give honor and seek help from the saint before whose image the candle is lit, as well as to pray for the dead.
The candles used may vary from long, taper-type candles to tealight candles. Tealight candles are either placed in holders or on a platform in front of the statue, while long candles may be placed in a special holder. In Orthodox churches, votive candles are usually long and thin and placed in round containers with various sockets or in a container filled with sand.
While votive candles are primarily associated with religious ceremonies, they have also been appropriated in secular contexts, sometimes controversially. For example, Kim Kardashian faced backlash for selling a votive candle with her face in the likeness of the Virgin Mary.
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Candles in Catholic prayer
The use of candles in Catholic prayer is a centuries-old tradition. The light of the candle is symbolic of Christ, who is referred to as the 'light of the world' in the Bible. The symbolism of light has long been used in religious practice, even in Judaism, where a perpetual light was kept burning in the Temple and synagogues to show the presence of God.
In the Catholic Church, candles are lit as a symbol of prayer, faith, and the desire to remain connected with the divine. They are also used as an offering, indicating petitions and desires for divine favour. Lighting candles can also be a symbol of gratitude for answered prayers.
Votive candles are a common type of candle used in Catholic prayer. These are often placed before statues of Christ, Mother Mary, or various saints, and are usually made of beeswax. The choice of beeswax is symbolic of the virgin worker bees, representing the purity of Christ and Mother Mary.
There are several types of Catholic prayer candles, including Advent candles, which are used in the weeks leading up to Christmas, and Candlemas candles, used in celebrations marking the end of winter. The Easter candle is used in the Easter Vigil to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.
At home, Catholics may use prayer candles to practice their prayers, often with images of Christ, Mother Mary, or saints. These candles can be blessed by a priest or with sacred oil or holy water. They can be used to pray for assistance and guidance, for the strength to face challenges, or for the souls of the deceased to be received in heaven.
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Candles in Catholic baptism
In the Catholic Church, candles are often lit before icons of Jesus Christ or the Virgin Mary, or before statues of saints. These are known as votive candles, and they are used to give honour and seek help from the saint before whom they are lit. They are also used to pray for the dead.
Candles are also used in Catholic baptism ceremonies. The baptismal candle is a symbol of Christ as the light of the world, and the newly baptised person is encouraged to shine with the light of faith and good works. The candle is often decorated with religious designs and is sometimes lit on the anniversary of the baptism. In the Byzantine Rite of Baptism, the godfather lights the baptismal candle from the light of the Easter Candle. The Latin Rite includes a reminder for the parents and godparents that they must keep the light entrusted to them burning brightly. The candle is also lit at other important life events, such as the day of first holy Communion, the wedding day, and at the hour of death.
The use of candles in Catholic baptism ceremonies is a symbolic reminder that the newly baptised person has been enlightened by Christ and has received a new life. The candle is meant to shine for eternity and is never to be blown out. It is often kept in the home as a cherished symbol of spiritual birth.
Baptism candles can be purchased from religious suppliers, and they are made from different types of waxes, including paraffin, soy wax, or beeswax. The wicks of reputable manufacturers are typically made from cotton, cotton-paper, zinc-core, or tin-core.
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Paschal candles
A Paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity, including the Roman Catholic Church, Lutheran Churches, Anglican Communion, and Methodist Churches, among others. The term Paschal comes from the Latin word "Pascha", derived from the Hebrew word "Pesach", meaning Passover, and relates to the Paschal mystery of salvation.
The Paschal candle is a significant part of Easter Vigil celebrations, symbolizing the light of Christ coming into the world and dispelling darkness. The candle is blessed and lit during the Easter Vigil, which takes place on the night of Holy Saturday, and remains in use throughout the Easter season. The preparation, dedication, and lighting of the Paschal candle are solemn moments in the service. Before lighting the candle, the minister may say: "May the light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds."
The candle is often adorned with several symbolic decorations. The most prominent symbol is the cross, which identifies it as the Paschal candle. It also typically features the Greek letters alpha and omega, symbolizing that God is the beginning and the end, as well as the current year's numerals between the arms of the cross. Additionally, five grains of incense, representing the Five Holy Wounds of Christ, are embedded in the candle, usually encased in red or golden wax "nails".
The size of Paschal candles can vary depending on the region. In medieval times, these candles could reach impressive heights, such as the 36-foot (11-meter) Paschal candle of Salisbury Cathedral. Today, in the United States and Southern Europe, they typically measure 4 inches (10 centimetres) in diameter and 36 to 48 inches (91 to 122 centimetres) in height. In Northern Europe, the candles tend to be shorter and wider.
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Advent candles
The four surrounding candles are usually purple or violet (or blue), with one rose or pink candle. These colours correspond with the vestments worn during the Sundays of Advent. The rose or pink candle is the third candle lit and is symbolic of joy, as the third Sunday of Advent is known as Gaudete Sunday, from the Latin word meaning "rejoice ye".
Each candle is lit on subsequent Sundays during the Advent season, bringing more light in the darkness as Christmas draws nearer. The lighting of the candles can be accompanied by Bible readings, devotional time, and prayers.
The four candles also symbolise the Christian concepts of hope, peace, joy, and love. The first candle is the Messiah or Prophecy candle, representing the Jewish prophets who predicted the coming of Jesus. The second is the Bethlehem candle, representing Joseph and Mary's journey. The third, as mentioned, represents the shepherds and their joy, and the fourth is the Angel's candle, representing peace.
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Frequently asked questions
Catholic candles are called votive candles or prayer candles.
Votive candles are made from different types of waxes including paraffin, soy wax, beeswax, or tallow.
Votive candles are lit during prayer to symbolize Christ, the light of the world. They are also used to express a wish, a vow, or a desire.
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