Church Candles: What Are They Called And Why?

Candles have a lot of meaning in the church, and their use extends to services, masses, memorial services, homes, and holidays. In the Catholic Church, the lighting of candles represents the light of Christ and the hope he brings to a fallen world. There are several types of candles used in the Catholic Church, including votive candles, patron saint candles, sanctuary candles, vigil candles, seven-day candles, altar candles, candlelight service candles, baptism candles, confirmation candles, Christmas candles, and cemetery or memorial service candles.

Votive candles

Church candles are not only for illumination but also hold deep religious significance. Votive candles are a type of candle used in churches. They are small candles that are often found in large numbers in Catholic parishes. They are usually placed on a table or on specially built racks near statues or stained glass images of patron saints.

Lutheran churches also use votive candles, which may be lit at home or in church. They are usually lit on the altar rails or in front of the altar cross, and during the liturgy of Good Friday. In Nordic Lutheran churches, votive candles are commonplace, and most churches and chapels have a votive candle holder (called "Ljusbärare" in Swedish).

Some Anglican churches, especially those in the High Church or Anglo-Catholic tradition, use votive candles for praying for the dead and asking for saintly intercession. In the United Methodist Church, churches that follow the High Church tradition also use votive candles. During the liturgical celebration of Allhallowtide, especially on All Saints' Day, votive candles are lit, and a prayer is said for each person in the congregation who has died that year.

Altar candles

In some parishes, one candle is burned during every mass, while others, usually cathedrals, have a seven-stick candle holder on the altar. During masses, six candles are lit, and the centre, tallest candle remains unlit. This tradition represents the promise of Jesus to return to establish His millennial kingdom (Revelation 20). Altar candles are also used in midnight mass or Christmas Eve services, where congregants often hold small, thin candles.

The use of altar candles in churches is steeped in tradition and symbolism. In the Catholic Church, candles are placed before statues of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, or other saints. In Orthodox churches, long, thin candles are lit before icons, usually of Jesus Christ or the Theotokos (Virgin Mary). The lighting of candles in churches is not just for illumination but holds deep religious significance.

Patron Saint candles

Church candles are not just for illumination, they carry deep religious significance across many religions. For example, in Judaism, light is used to mark the beginning of Shabbat, and in Christianity, the idea of God is often connected to light.

In the Christian faith, there are several types of candles used in services, masses, memorial services, and holidays. The lighting of candles plays a significant role in Orthodox and Catholic churches. Some of the types of candles used in Catholic churches include baptism candles, confirmation candles, Christmas candles, and memorial service candles.

One type of candle used in Catholic churches is Patron Saint candles. These are blessed by priests and offered to devout Catholics who wish to honour a particular patron saint. There are over 10,000 saints recognized by Catholic officials, with popular saints including Mary, Joseph, Peter, and Christopher. Each saint is typically assigned a specific sphere of influence. For example, St. Christopher is often prayed to by Catholics who travel frequently.

Votive candles are another type of candle used in Catholic parishes. These small candles are often placed on tables or racks near statues or stained glass images of patron saints. They represent the prayers of those who light them. Secular votive candles featuring celebrities or public figures instead of saints have become popular, although this has caused some controversy.

Sanctuary candles

Votive Candles

Votive candles are small candles that are often found in large numbers in Catholic parishes. They are placed on a table or on specially built racks near statues or stained glass images of patron saints. These candles represent the prayers of those in the faith.

Altar Candles

Altar candles are placed on the altar. Some parishes have a candle burning during every mass, symbolizing the presence of the Lord. Other parishes, and most cathedrals, have a seven-stick candle holder on the altar. During masses, six candles are lit, and the centre, tallest candle remains unlit. This represents the promise of Jesus to return to establish His millennial kingdom.

Candlelight Service Candles

Congregants who celebrate midnight mass or participate in a Christmas Eve service often hold these small, thin candles.

Baptism Candles

Family and friends hold these candles during baptism services. The candle symbolizes Christ as the light of the world, which the newly baptized should also become.

Confirmation Candles

These candles are held by those sharing in the sacrament of confirmation.

Vigil candles

Church candles are used not only for illumination but also hold deep religious significance. The lighting of candles plays a significant role in church life, with candles being used in services, masses, memorial services, homes, and holidays.

In addition to vigil candles, there are several other types of church candles, including baptism candles, confirmation candles, Christmas candles, and altar candles. These candles serve various purposes and hold symbolic meanings within the church.

Frequently asked questions