Chloe Adams
The use of candles in religious ceremonies is a tradition that dates back millennia, with candles being used in services, masses, memorial services, homes, and holidays. The lighting of candles plays a significant role in church life, especially in Orthodox and Catholic churches. In the Catholic Church, candles are placed before statues of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, or saints. These are known as votive candles, and they are often placed in front of altars. Altar candles have been used in Masses since at least the 12th century. The number of candles lit on the altar indicates which Mass is being celebrated. In Orthodox churches, long, thin candles are usually placed in round containers with sockets or in sand. In Catholic churches, tall candles known as Paschal candles or Easter candles are used during Easter Mass and baptisms. These candles are several feet tall and have colourful designs.
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What You'll Learn
Votive candles
Lutheran churches, particularly those in Nordic countries like Sweden and Norway, commonly use votive candles. These candles are often lit on altar rails or in front of the altar cross, as well as during the liturgy of Good Friday. Anglican churches, especially those in the High Church or Anglo-Catholic tradition, use votive candles for praying for the dead and requesting saintly intercession.
During Allhallowtide, Methodist churches that follow the High Church tradition light votive candles and say a prayer for each congregant who has died that year. In the Reformed tradition, votive candles are lit during Totensonntag, a day commemorating the departed faithful.
In recent years, votive candles have also been secularized, featuring celebrities or political figures in the style of saints. This appropriation has sparked controversy, with some criticizing it as disrespectful to Catholic iconography and the original function of prayer candles.
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Altar candles
In addition to their practical purposes, altar candles hold significant symbolic value. They remind us of the persecuted Christians in the early centuries of the faith, who secretly celebrated Mass at night or in catacombs by candlelight. They also represent Christ's presence in the worshipping community and serve as a symbol of triumphant joy in the presence of Christ's words.
The use of candles in religious practice extends beyond Christianity. In Judaism, for example, a perpetual light is kept burning in synagogues and temples to symbolise the presence of God.
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Paschal candles
The Paschal candle, also known as the Easter candle or the Christ candle, is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is used in the Roman Catholic Church, Lutheran Churches, the Anglican Communion, and the Methodist Churches, among others.
The Paschal candle is the first candle to be lit with a flame from the sacred fire, representing the light of Christ coming into the world. It is lit during the Easter Vigil on the night of Holy Saturday, and a new candle is blessed and lit every year at Easter. The candle is then used throughout the Easter season and on other special occasions throughout the year, such as baptisms, funerals, the ordination of priests, and the Consecration of virgins.
The candle is easily recognizable due to its size and appearance. It typically features several symbolic elements, including a prominent cross, the Greek letters alpha and omega, the current year, and five grains of incense encased in red or golden wax "nails". These symbols represent God as the beginning and the end, the passage of time, and the Five Holy Wounds of Christ.
The size of Paschal candles can vary depending on the region. In the United States and Southern Europe, they typically range from 36 to 48 inches (91 to 122 centimetres) in height and have a diameter of about 4 inches (10 centimetres). In Northern Europe, the candles tend to be shorter, ranging from 19 to 24 inches (48 to 61 centimetres) in height, with a wider diameter. Historically, during the medieval period, some Paschal candles reached impressive sizes, such as the one in Salisbury Cathedral, which was said to have been 36 feet (11 metres) tall.
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Baptism candles
Candles hold a significant place in religious practices, with their usage dating back to Roman pagan culture for religious and military processions. The use of candles in religious contexts symbolises light and has been adapted by Christians for Mass, liturgical processions, and evening prayer ceremonies.
The candles are typically made from superior-quality paraffin wax and feature a pure cotton wick. Some candles may be hand-dipped taper candles, adorned with decorations like rhinestones, satin-striped organza ribbons, or wrapped in white material with a white butterfly symbolising purity and new beginnings.
In terms of their role in the ceremony, the larger candle is often lit for three consecutive Sundays following the baptism when the newly baptised individual receives Holy Communion. This candle is also known as the "lambatha" in Greek Orthodox baptisms and is held by the godparent during the ceremony.
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Advent wreaths and candles
The use of candles in religious practices has a long history. In Judaism, for instance, a perpetual light was kept burning in temples and synagogues to represent the presence of God. In Roman pagan culture, candles were used in religious and military processions to signify the presence and favour of the gods. Christians adopted the use of candles for Mass, liturgical processions, and evening prayer ceremonies, among other uses.
Candles have been an important part of the Catholic Church for centuries. The symbolism of light is significant in Catholic practice, as light represents Christ, who called himself the "light of the world". The Gospel of St. John also connects Christ with light.
The Paschal candle, also known as the Easter candle, is several feet tall and features colourful designs, the year, and a cross with five cloves. It is used in the Easter Mass and during baptisms throughout the year. The candle symbolises how a new soul and apostle of light join God's family.
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Frequently asked questions
Tall religious candles are called devotional candles. They are often blessed by priests and made available to congregants to light at home.
Devotional candles are used for worship and devotion to the Lord or in honour of someone who has passed away.
There are several types of religious candles, including votive candles, altar candles, tapered candles, and patron saint candles.
Votive candles are lit in front of statues of Christ, Mother Mary, and various saints. They are often used to pray for assistance and guidance.
Patron saint candles are blessed by priests and used by devout Catholics who want to honour particular patron saints.
