Chloe Adams
Prayer candles are used by Catholics as a visual representation of prayer. They are often lit during Mass, liturgical and funeral processions, and evening prayer ceremonies. The candles are placed before a statue or sacred image of the Lord or a saint. The light of the candle symbolises the prayer, offered in faith, entering the light of God. The candles are also used to show reverence and the desire to remain present in prayer. Catholics use two types of prayer candles: vigil candles, which are used to honour a deceased person, and votive candles, which are seen as an offering seeking favour from the Lord or saint.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types | Vigil and votive |
| Vigil meaning | From the Latin word "vigilae" meaning "watch" or "wakefulness" |
| Vigil use | To honour a deceased person |
| Votive use | Praying for the dead and asking for saintly intercession |
| Votive candle holders | Glass, crystal, or round containers with sockets or sand |
| Votive candle wicks | Cotton, cotton-paper, zinc-core, or tin-core |
| Votive candle wax | Paraffin, soy, or beeswax |
| Votive candle colours | Red for Jesus and the martyrs, blue for the Virgin Mary, crimson for Saint Maximilian Kolbe, white, or yellow |
| Votive candle scents | Scented or unscented |
| Votive candle donations | Donation boxes or coin boxes/baskets are placed near votive candles |
| Votive candle blessings | A priest can bless the candle before or after Mass or during office hours |
| Votive candle disposal | Cannot be thrown away after use |
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What You'll Learn
Prayer candles are used to symbolise Christ
Prayer candles are an integral part of Catholic rituals and traditions. They are used to symbolise Christ, who referred to himself as "the light of the world". The use of candles in Catholic churches is deeply rooted in history, with early Christians burning candles or oil lamps at the tombs of saints and martyrs.
The light of a prayer candle symbolises the presence of Christ and the light of God. In the Catholic Church, candles are often lit before a statue or sacred image of Christ or a saint. This act of lighting a candle is a prayer in itself, offered in faith, and signifies reverence and devotion to the Lord. The light of the candle also represents the believer's desire to remain present in prayer, even as they go about their daily lives.
The colour of the candle can also hold symbolic value. For example, a deep red candle may represent Jesus and the martyrs, while blue may be used for the Virgin Mary. The candle's scent is also a personal preference, with some opting for beeswax to emulate the candles used in churches.
Vigil and votive candles are the two main types of prayer candles used by Catholics. Vigil candles, derived from the Latin word 'vigilae' meaning "watch" or "wakefulness", are often used to honour the deceased, symbolising the flame of Christ accompanying them on their journey to heaven. Votive candles, on the other hand, are lit as offerings, signifying a request for a favour or blessing from the Lord or saint before whom the candle is placed.
The lighting of prayer candles is a powerful act of devotion and faith, reminding Catholics of their connection to Christ and their obligation to shine as "the light of the world".
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They are used to show reverence to the Blessed Sacrament
Prayer candles are an integral part of Catholic rituals and traditions. They are used to show reverence to the Blessed Sacrament, with the light of the candle symbolising the light of the world, as Jesus called himself. In John 8:12, Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. No follower of mine shall ever walk in darkness; no, he shall possess the light of life".
The use of candles in Catholic churches is steeped in history and symbolism. The lighting of candles is a significant part of Catholic celebrations and rituals, with candles burned during Mass, liturgical and funeral processions, and evening prayer ceremonies. The colour of the candle also holds meaning: purple candles signify a time of prayer, penance, and sacrifice, while pink candles symbolise joy.
Votive candles, derived from the Latin word 'votum' meaning "a vow" or "a promise", are lit to secure favour and are usually placed before an image or statue. They are often lit before a statue of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or another saint. The candle is seen as an offering, with the light symbolising the prayer offered in faith coming into the light of God. The scent of the candle can also hold significance, with Catholics choosing scents that hold symbolic meaning for the person being prayed for.
Vigil candles, derived from the Latin word 'vigilae' meaning "watch" or "wakefulness", are frequently used to honour a deceased person. They are often placed beside a picture or memento of the person being prayed for. The candle serves as a reminder that the deceased carries the flame of Christ in their hearts on their journey to heaven.
The use of candles in Catholic rituals and traditions is a powerful way to show reverence to the Blessed Sacrament and to offer prayers and solidarity with those being prayed for. The lighting of candles symbolises the light of faith and the desire to remain present in prayer, even as one goes about their daily life.
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They are used to pray for the dead
Prayer candles are an important part of Catholic rituals and ceremonies, and their use goes back centuries. They are often lit during Mass, liturgical and funeral processions, and evening prayer ceremonies. The lighting of a candle is a way to extend prayers and show solidarity with the person for whom the prayer is being made.
Vigil and votive candles are the two main types of prayer candles used by Catholics. The word vigil comes from the Latin 'vigilae', meaning 'watch' or 'wakefulness'. Vigil candles are frequently used to honour a deceased person, carrying the flame of Christ in their hearts on their journey to heaven. They are often placed in sturdy candlesticks to prevent them from toppling over.
Votive candles are also used to pray for the dead. In Anglican churches, particularly those in the High Church or Anglo-Catholic tradition, votive candles are lit for Allhallowtide, especially on All Saints' Day, when a prayer is said for each person of the congregation who has died that year. In the Reformed tradition, votive candles are lit during Totensonntag, a holy day commemorating the faithful departed.
The colour of the candle can vary depending on the person it is intended for. For example, a deep red candle may be used for Jesus and the martyrs, while a brilliant blue candle may be used for the Virgin Mary.
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They are used to ask for saintly intercession
Prayer candles are an important part of Catholic ritual and tradition. They are used to ask for saintly intercession, to pray for guidance and closeness to God, and to show reverence to the Blessed Sacrament.
The use of candles in Catholic churches is deeply symbolic. Light is often used to represent Christ, who described himself as "the light of the world". The flame of a candle is thought to symbolise the light of faith, and the presence of God. This symbolism is also reflected in the practice of Judaism, where a perpetual light was kept burning in the Temple and synagogues to show the presence of God.
The act of lighting a candle for someone is a way to extend prayers and show solidarity with the person being prayed for. In the Catholic Church, candles are often lit before a statue or sacred image of the Lord or a saint. This is not to honour the statue or image itself, but rather what it represents. The candle symbolises a prayer offered in faith, coming into the light of God.
Votive candles are a common type of candle used in Catholic churches. They are often lit by parishioners during Mass, liturgical and funeral processions, and evening prayer ceremonies. They are also used in the home, where they can be placed in a safe location and burned as a prayer is offered. The colour of the candle can vary, depending on the person it is intended for. For example, a deep red candle may be used for Jesus and the martyrs, while a brilliant blue candle may be used for the Virgin Mary.
Vigil candles are another type of candle used by Catholics. The word 'vigil' comes from the Latin word 'vigilae', meaning "watch" or "wakefulness". These candles are frequently used to honour a deceased person, symbolising the flame of Christ that they carry in their hearts on their journey to heaven.
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They are used to show solidarity with the person the prayer is for
The use of candles in Catholic churches goes back centuries. The light of a candle symbolises Christ, who said of himself: "I am the light of the world. No follower of mine shall ever walk in darkness; no, he shall possess the light of life" (John 8:12).
Candles are lit during Mass, liturgical processions, evening prayer ceremonies, and funeral processions. They are also lit before the Tabernacle to signify the Lord's presence in the Blessed Sacrament and to call for reverence.
The act of lighting a candle for someone is a way to extend prayers and show solidarity with the person the prayer is for. In Catholic churches, it is common to see burning votive candles, which are offerings that indicate the person lighting the candle is seeking some favour from the Lord or a saint.
Votive candles are often lit before icons, statues, or images of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, or another saint. The light symbolises the prayer being offered, coming into the light of God. It also shows reverence and the desire to remain present in prayer, even as daily life continues.
Vigil candles are another type of candle burned, typically accompanied by prayers of attention or waiting. They are frequently used to honour a deceased person, symbolising the flame of Christ in their hearts as they journey to heaven. The colour of the candle may be chosen based on its intended meaning or the favourite colour of the person it is intended for.
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Frequently asked questions
Prayer candles are a tool used by Catholics to assist in a visual representation of prayer. They are often placed before a statue or sacred image of God or a saint.
The candles symbolise Christ, reminding Catholics of their baptism and their obligation to be the light of the world.
There are two main types of Catholic prayer candles: vigil candles and votive candles.
Vigil candles are often used to honour a deceased person, carrying the flame of Christ in their hearts on their journey to heaven.
Votive candles are used for praying for the dead and asking for saintly intercession.
