Maddie James
The use of candles in Christian worship is a tradition that dates back to the 4th century, with the earliest candles made of beeswax by the Egyptians and Cretans around 3000 BC. In the Catholic Church, candles are often made of beeswax, symbolising the pure flesh of Christ, with the wick representing his soul and the flame his divinity. Altar candles are typically tall, thin, and made of beeswax and stearine, while votive candles are smaller and can be made from paraffin, soy wax, or beeswax.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Typical colour | White or beeswax yellow |
| Typical size | 2 inches tall by 1.5 inches in diameter |
| Composition | Beeswax, stearine, paraffin, soy wax, tallow, whale fat, insect wax, vegetable oil, spermaceti, etc. |
| Wick composition | Cotton, cotton-paper, zinc, tin, or lead (banned in the US since 2003) |
| Symbolism | The pure wax symbolises the pure flesh of Christ, the wick his soul, and the flame his divinity |
| Placement | On or near altars, in front of statues, on altar rails, in front of the altar cross, etc. |
| Number | Two is common, but the number varies by denomination and occasion |
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Beeswax candles
The colour of beeswax candles is another appealing feature. The natural golden hue of the wax creates a warm and inviting ambiance, perfect for religious ceremonies or for creating a cosy atmosphere at home. Beeswax candles also produce a bright, steady flame with minimal smoke, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
In addition to their aesthetic and practical advantages, beeswax candles offer environmental benefits as well. Beeswax is a natural, biodegradable, and renewable resource. Supporting the beeswax candle industry helps promote sustainable beekeeping and protects pollinator populations.
Overall, beeswax candles are a timeless choice for church ceremonies and personal use, offering symbolic significance, aesthetic appeal, practical advantages, and environmental benefits.
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Stearine candles
While stearine candles are commonly used in Christian churches, there are certain regulations regarding their use. In the Catholic Church, for example, stearine candles were forbidden for use in Mass and other liturgical functions. This is due to the traditional preference for beeswax candles, which symbolize the pure flesh of Christ. However, exceptions have been made for missionaries in Oceania who face difficulties in obtaining wax candles.
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Paraffin candles
Paraffin wax, also known as petroleum wax, is a soft, white or colorless solid derived from petroleum, coal, or oil shale. It was first created by German chemist Karl von Reichenbach in 1830 and revolutionised the candle-making industry. Paraffin candles burn cleanly, reliably, and more efficiently than tallow candles, and are cheaper to produce. They also have a higher scent absorption quality than other candles, which is why they are commonly used for aromatherapy.
Paraffin wax has a melting point between 37°C and 68°C, and a density of around 900 kg/m3. It is an excellent electrical insulator and has heat-storing properties. Paraffin candles are odorless and bluish-white when un-dyed and unscented. However, they are available in a variety of fun colors and fragrances, such as red (cherry), orange (citrus), yellow (banana), green (mint), blue (ocean breeze), purple (lavender), pink (rose), and white (vanilla).
Paraffin wax is also used in skin care products and as a food additive in the manufacturing of chewing gum and cosmetics.
There have been some concerns about the safety of paraffin wax, with some studies suggesting that burning it may release toxins that could lead to lung diseases and cancer. However, there is no peer-reviewed scientific evidence to support these claims, and the concentration of any potentially toxic chemicals released is typically very low and therefore considered safe.
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Tallow candles
In the Catholic Church, tallow candles are permitted for use in Mass and other liturgical functions when beeswax candles are unavailable. The Catholic Encyclopedia states that "in cases of necessity, it is the common opinion that Mass may be celebrated with tallow candles or oil lamps". This exception was also extended to missionaries in Oceania, who were allowed to use sperm-whale candles due to the difficulty of obtaining wax candles.
The use of tallow candles in churches may vary depending on the specific denomination and its traditions. For example, Lutheran churches typically use beeswax candles, while Orthodox churches favour long, thin candles, which can be made of various materials, including tallow.
It is worth noting that the use of tallow candles may be subject to specific regulations and traditions within different religions and denominations. While they are permitted in some contexts, such as in the Catholic Church during Mass, there may be other ceremonies or rituals where their use is not allowed.
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Votive candles
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, votive candles are typically long and thin and are placed in round containers with sockets or in a container filled with sand. Orthodox churches usually have a separate place for candles lit for the departed, while Lutheran, Anglican, and Roman Catholic churches do not make this distinction. In the Roman Catholic Church, votive candles are often placed before a statue of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, or another saint.
The lighting of a votive candle represents the fulfillment of a vow (from the Latin "votum"). While the specific intention may vary, it often involves seeking help or honouring the saint before whose image the candle is lit, as well as praying for the dead.
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Frequently asked questions
Church candles are typically made from beeswax, stearine, or paraffin.
Beeswax candles were historically a luxury item due to their high cost. They were odourless, dripless, and smokeless, and only the church or the wealthy could afford them.
Yes, churches may also use stearine candles, which are made from animal or vegetable oil and are less expensive. Paraffin candles are not recommended due to the health hazards associated with their petroleum-based composition.
Yes, the USCCB requires that candles used in the Mass and other liturgical rites be made of wax to provide a "living flame without being smoky or noxious." Electric lights are not permitted as substitutes to safeguard "authenticity and the full symbolism of light."
