Chloe Adams
Candles have been used in Christian worship for centuries and hold a variety of symbolic meanings. In Catholic churches, candles are lit before statues or images of saints or Jesus Christ, and are seen as a way to honour and seek help from the figure before which the candle is lit. The lighting of a candle can also signify a prayer, and they are often lit during times of festivity and solemnity. In addition to their religious significance, candles have also been appropriated as secular symbols, with celebrities such as Kim Kardashian receiving criticism for selling candles with her face in the likeness of the Virgin Mary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types | Votive, Advent, Vigil |
| Use | Symbolizing the light of Christ or the light of the gospel, enhancing the beauty of the church, indicating prayers, showing reverence, indicating a desire to remain present in prayer, indicating a vow, honoring a saint, praying for the dead, seeking help from a saint, indicating festivity and solemnity, etc. |
| Placement | In front of a statue or sacred image of Christ or a saint, on the altar, on a reredos behind the altar, on pavement lights beside the altar, on altar rails, in front of the altar cross, in a bye-altar, in a separate place for the departed, etc. |
| Occasions | Easter Vigil, All Saints' Day, Totensonntag, Candlemas, blessing of ashes and palms during Lent and the Easter season, Mass of a newly ordained priest, etc. |
| Materials | Paraffin, soy wax, beeswax |
| Donation | Some churches ask for a small donation of $1-$3 to cover the cost of the candle |
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What You'll Learn
Types of candles used in churches
Candles are used in many religions, including Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. In Christianity, candles are commonplace in many churches, as well as home altars. They are used in almost all sacraments, from baptism to anointing, and are seen as irreplaceable symbolic elements.
Votive Candles
Votive candles, also known as prayer candles, are small candles, typically white or beeswax yellow, that are burned as a votive offering during Christian prayer. They are commonplace in many churches, especially Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, and Roman Catholic Christian denominations. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, votive candles are long and thin and are lit before icons, usually of Jesus Christ or the Theotokos. In Nordic Lutheran churches, votive candles are also long and thin and are placed in a round metal frame with several sockets surrounding a central, larger candle.
Baptismal Candles
The baptismal candle symbolizes Christ as the light of the world, and the newly baptized individual is encouraged to become a light for the world. The candle accompanies the individual throughout their religious life and is considered a sort of 'identity document' that allows them to access religious celebrations.
Advent Candles
Advent candles are used to create an Advent wreath, which marks the weeks leading up to Christmas. The wreath typically holds four candles, with one candle lit each Sunday of Advent. The candles represent the weeks of Advent, with three purple candles symbolizing prayer, penance, and sacrifice, and one pink candle symbolizing joy.
Easter Candles
The Easter candle is used during the Easter Vigil to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. The altar candles are lighted after the Renewal of Baptismal Vows and before the Easter Acclamation, "Alleluia. Christ is risen."
The Meaning of Votive Candles in Christianity
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The significance of lighting a candle
Candles have been used in Christian worship since the fourth century, and their use has evolved and taken on new meanings over the centuries. Today, candles are used in churches to symbolise festivity and solemnity, and they are also lit as part of prayer.
In the Catholic Church, candles are often lit before a statue or image of Jesus or a saint. This act symbolises the offering of a prayer, which is made in faith, entering the light of God. The candle is also a sign of reverence and a desire to remain in prayer, even as the day continues. In this way, lighting a candle for someone is an act of solidarity and an extension of prayer.
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, candles are lit before icons, usually of Jesus Christ or the Theotokos. These candles are usually long and thin and placed in round containers with sockets or sand. Orthodox churches also usually have a separate place to put candles for the departed.
Lutheran and Anglican churches may use votive candles, which can be lit at home or in church. These are often lit during the liturgy of Good Friday. In the Anglican tradition, Percy Dearmer states that no more than two candles should be lit on the altar, while the Lutheran practice is similar, with two beeswax candles lit for services.
The Episcopal Church also uses candles extensively, with altar candles lit in a particular order. The use of candles in this tradition was strongly favoured by those of the catholic persuasion and resisted by those of the evangelical tradition.
The lighting of candles is also significant in certain Christian festivals, such as Advent, where the four candles of the Advent wreath symbolise the four weeks of Advent, with each candle lit on subsequent Sundays. The colours of the candles also hold significance, with purple representing a time of prayer, penance, and sacrifice, and pink symbolising joy.
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The history of candles in Christian worship
The use of candles in Christian worship has a long and varied history. Candles have been used in religious contexts for thousands of years, with evidence of their use in ancient Roman pagan culture for religious and military processions. In these contexts, candles symbolised the divine presence, aid, or favour of the gods.
By the time of Jesus, the emperor was considered a divine figure and was often worshipped. Candles were lit near his image as a sign of respect and reverence. Early Christians adapted the use of candles for their own religious practices, including Mass, liturgical processions, and evening prayer ceremonies.
The first known mention of the use of altar lights was a 12th-century report that two candles flanked an altar cross in the papal chapel. The use of candles in Christian worship continued to evolve over the centuries, with different denominations adopting their own candle-lighting traditions. For example, Lutheran churches may use votive candles lit at home or in church, while Anglican churches may use votive candles for praying for the dead and asking for saintly intercession.
In the Catholic Church, the symbolism of light and candles has a particularly rich history. Candles are often lit before a statue or sacred image of Jesus or a saint, with the light representing a prayer offered in faith entering the light of God. They are also used during the blessing of ashes and palms, the dedication of churches and cemeteries, and the Mass of a newly ordained priest.
The type of candle used in Christian worship has also evolved over time. In the Middle Ages, priests made beeswax candles for their services, but these were expensive and only affordable to the church and the wealthy. The whaling industry in the late 18th century brought the first major change in candle-making, with the introduction of spermaceti, a wax obtained from sperm whale oil. The 19th century saw the introduction of the first patented candle-making machines, further revolutionising the industry.
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How to make your own prayer candle
Candles are used extensively in the Christian liturgical tradition, and their use varies across different denominations of Christianity. In the Catholic Church, candles are lit before a statue or sacred image of the Lord or a saint. The light signifies a prayer offered in faith, entering the light of God. In Eastern Orthodox Churches, candles are lit before icons, usually of Jesus Christ or the Theotokos, and are usually long and thin, placed in round containers. In Lutheran churches, votive candles are commonplace, and they are lit on altar rails or in front of the altar cross.
Now, let's move on to making your own prayer candle. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make your own prayer or devotional candle:
Materials:
- Plain 7-day candle
- Paper (translucent vellum paper, tissue paper, or parchment paper)
- Glue (glue gun, glue stick, tape, mounting tape, or liquid glue)
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Images, photos, motivational phrases, holiday images, or other artwork
Instructions:
- Take a sheet of plain paper and wrap it around the candle jar, marking the height and width of the area you want to cover with your chosen paper. Cut your specialty paper to size, ensuring it is no taller than the height of the jar and allowing for a smooth finish.
- Choose and size your artwork according to the paper size. You can draw, paint, or print images, text, or designs onto the paper. If using a printer, test the size on regular paper first to ensure it fits the candle.
- Once your design is complete, cut out your image or text, leaving a small border. If using scissors, you can do this freehand, but a ruler and pencil can help guide straight lines.
- Apply glue to the back of your cut-out design. Washable and repositionable glue sticks are ideal, as they allow for easy adjustments and removal. Alternatively, you can use a glue gun or liquid glue applied with a small paintbrush.
- Carefully attach your design to the candle jar, ensuring it is straight and centred. You can also apply glue directly to the jar if you prefer.
- Allow the glue to dry completely before using your candle. Always exercise caution when burning candles, and never leave them unattended.
You can also make your own candle from scratch, using wax, a wick, essential oils, and a jar. You can even melt crayons and add essential oils to create a colourful, fragrant candle.
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Secular appropriation of votive candles
The secular appropriation of votive candles, a religious symbol, has caused controversy. Votive candles are a common sight in Catholic churches and are often lit before a statue or sacred image of Jesus Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or a saint. The act of lighting a votive candle signifies the fulfilment of a vow, giving honour, and seeking help from the saint before whom the candle is lit.
In recent years, celebrities such as Kim Kardashian have come under fire for selling votive candles with their faces on them in the style of religious icons. This has been seen by some as a form of religious appropriation that diminishes the sacred significance of the prayer candle. For example, in 2019, Vox magazine wrote that "by replacing a saint with a celebrity, you are dismissing the function of the prayer candle altogether."
The use of votive candles by secular figures has been interpreted in various ways. Some view it as a form of narcissism, with celebrities seeking notoriety by appropriating Catholic iconography. Others, like Bill Donohue of the Catholic League, take a less critical view, seeing it as a backhanded compliment to the Catholic Church.
The secular appropriation of votive candles highlights the complex dynamics between popular culture and religious traditions. While some may view it as a harmless form of expression, others consider it a disrespectful co-option of sacred symbols and practices. This controversy underscores the ongoing negotiation between secular and religious influences in society.
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Frequently asked questions
Candles are used in churches for lighting, to symbolise the light of Christ or the light of the gospel, and to indicate festivity and solemnity. They are also used in prayer, either to represent a prayer or as an aid to prayer.
Votive candles are used in Catholic churches and are lit as an offering to indicate that the person lighting the candle is seeking some favour from the Lord or saint before whom the votive is placed. They are also used in Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, and Orthodox churches.
Advent candles are used in the week leading up to Christmas. There are four candles that represent the four weeks of Advent, and one is lit each Sunday. Three of the candles are purple, symbolising a time of prayer, penance, and sacrifice, and the fourth is pink, symbolising joy.
