Chloe Adams
The Paschal candle, a powerful Christian symbol of Christ's resurrection, is lit on Easter Vigil, the night of Holy Saturday. It is a large candle, often decorated with a cross, symbols of the resurrection, the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, and the year. The candle is blessed and lit from a new fire, symbolising the light of Christ coming into the world. It is then used throughout the Eastertide and the year on occasions such as baptisms, funerals and some other special occasions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Day it is lit | Easter Vigil |
| When it is lit | At the beginning of the Easter Vigil |
| Who lights it | Deacon or celebrant |
| What they say when lighting it | "The light of Christ" or "May the light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds" |
| Congregation's response | "Thanks be to God" |
| Where it is placed | Sanctuary |
| When it is extinguished | After the Gospel on Ascension Day |
| Where it is placed after Easter | Near the font or the baptismal font |
| When it is used after Easter | During baptisms, funerals, and some other special occasions |
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What You'll Learn
The Paschal candle is lit for Easter Vigil
The Paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity, including the Roman Catholic Church, Lutheran Churches, Anglican Communion, and Methodist Churches. The term "Paschal" refers to Easter or Passover, and the candle is a powerful symbol of Christ's Resurrection and Light of the World.
The Paschal candle is then carried to the chancel, where its flame may be used to light the candles held by members of the congregation, spreading the light of Christ. The Exsultet, a long Eucharistic prayer, is then sung or chanted. The Paschal candle remains lit throughout the Easter season, symbolising the risen Christ and the spreading of His light. It is used during liturgical services and baptisms throughout the year, as well as funeral services, where it represents the resurrection life.
The use of the Paschal candle has evolved over the centuries. Initially, it was broken up after the Easter Vigil and fragments were given to the faithful. Later, it was kept near the Gospel until the Feast of the Ascension, and it became common to inscribe the current year on the candle. Today, the Paschal candle continues to be a significant part of Easter Vigil and a symbol of Christ's light and resurrection.
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It is blessed by a deacon wearing a white dalmatic
The Paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity, including the Roman Catholic Church, Lutheran Churches, Anglican Communion, and Methodist Churches. It is a symbol of the risen Christ and is lit every year at Easter, remaining lit until at least Pentecost and in some traditions, Ascension Day.
The blessing of the Paschal candle is performed by a deacon wearing a white dalmatic. This is a notable feature of the service on Holy Saturday. The deacon chants a long Eucharistic prayer, the "Præconium paschali" or "Exultet", during which the candle is decorated with five grains of incense and then lit with the newly blessed fire. The Paschal candle is then blessed with the Easter water, being lowered into it three times.
The white dalmatic is worn by the deacon during this important blessing of the Paschal candle. The candle itself is a column of wax of exceptional size, usually fixed in a large candlestick. The white dalmatic is a vestment that symbolises light and joy and is thus appropriate for the blessing of the Paschal candle, which represents the light of Christ.
The deacon, wearing the white dalmatic, leads the procession into the church, carrying the Paschal candle. The candle is raised or paused three times during the procession, accompanied by the chant "The light of Christ", to which the assembly responds, "Thanks be to God". This ritual symbolises the light of Christ entering the world and dispelling darkness.
The deacon's role in blessing the Paschal candle while wearing the white dalmatic is an important and solemn moment in the Easter Vigil liturgy, signifying the light and joy of Christ's resurrection.
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The candle symbolises the risen Christ
The Paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. A new Paschal candle is blessed and lit every year at Easter. It is used throughout the Easter season and then throughout the year on occasions such as baptisms, funerals and some other special occasions. The candle is lit during all baptisms throughout the year, passing the light of Christ to each person baptised.
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. This represents the risen Christ, as a symbol of light (life) dispelling darkness (death). The candle symbolises the presence of the glorified risen Christ. The term "Paschal" comes from the Latin word "Pascha", which comes from the Hebrew word "Pesach", meaning Passover, and relates to the Paschal mystery of salvation.
The precise use of the Paschal candle has varied over the centuries. Initially, it was broken up after the Easter Vigil and fragments were given to the faithful. From the 10th century onwards, it was kept in a place of honour near the Gospel until the Feast of the Ascension, 40 days after Easter. By the 12th century, it was common to inscribe the candle with the current year. Over time, the candle grew in size. After the Easter season, the Paschal candle is typically placed near the font.
The Paschal candle is lit during baptisms to signify the Holy Spirit and fire that John the Baptist promised to those who were baptised in Christ. It may also be carried in procession at burials and placed near the coffin as a symbol of resurrection life.
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It is lit during solemn liturgical celebrations during the Easter season
The Paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. A new Paschal candle is blessed and lit every year at Easter. It is used throughout the Easter season and then throughout the year on occasions such as baptisms, funerals, and some other special occasions. The term "Paschal" concerns Easter or Passover. The candle is often decorated with a cross, symbols of the resurrection, the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, and the year.
The Easter Vigil is the "Mother of All Vigils", and Easter Sunday is the greatest of all Sundays. The season of Easter is the most important of all liturgical times, which Catholics celebrate as the Lord's resurrection from the dead, culminating in his Ascension to the Father and sending of the Holy Spirit upon the Church. The Easter Vigil liturgies of the Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, and Presbyterian Churches are nearly identical. On Maundy Thursday of the same week, the entire church is darkened by extinguishing all candles and lamps. This, along with the empty tabernacle, symbolises the darkness of a world without Christ. At the opening of the Easter Vigil, a fire is lit and blessed. The minister will cut a cross in the wax with a stylus and trace the symbols on the Paschal candle, saying words evoking the resurrection of Christ.
The Paschal candle is the first candle to be lit with a flame from this sacred fire, representing the light of Christ coming into the world. This represents the risen Christ, as a symbol of light (life) dispelling darkness (death). Before it is lit, the minister says words similar to: May the light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds. Typically, the worshipping assembly then processes into the church led by the Paschal candle. The candle is raised three times during the procession, accompanied by the chant "The light of Christ", to which the assembly responds, "Thanks be to God".
The Paschal candle is kept near the ambo throughout Easter Time and lit for all liturgical celebrations. It is customary for the Paschal candle to burn at all services from Easter through Pentecost. In some traditions, the candle remains lit until Ascension Day, when it is extinguished just after the Gospel.
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The candle is lit at baptisms and funerals
The Paschal candle, also known as the Easter candle, is a sacred element in Christianity. It is a symbol of the risen Christ, representing light and life. The candle is lit during the Easter Vigil service on Holy Saturday night, signifying the Resurrection of Christ. After Easter, the candle is placed near the baptismal font and lit during baptisms, symbolising the passing of the light of Christ to the newly baptised.
The Paschal candle is also used during funeral services, where it is placed near the casket or coffin. Its presence at funerals symbolises the Christian belief in the resurrection of the dead and eternal life with Christ. The candle serves as a reminder of the sacrament of Baptism, which is seen as a death and resurrection in Christ.
In the Latin Rite of Baptism, parents and godparents are reminded of the significance of the candle's light, which represents the new life given by Christ. They are entrusted with keeping this light burning brightly for the baptised child, who is now a child of the light. This light is not to be hidden but to shine eternally.
The candle's flame represents Christ's Divine Nature, while the wick symbolises his humanity. Made of beeswax, the candle also represents the pure flesh of Christ, received from the Virgin Mary. The Paschal candle is often decorated with a cross, symbols of the resurrection, and the Greek letters Alpha and Omega.
The use of the Paschal candle during baptisms and funerals underscores its significance in the Christian faith. It serves as a reminder of Christ's presence, victory over sin and death, and the promise of eternal life. The candle symbolises the light of Christ shining in the darkness and the new life given through Baptism.
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Frequently asked questions
The Paschal candle is lit on Easter Eve or Holy Saturday, which is the night before Easter Sunday.
The Paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is a symbol of Christ's Resurrection and Light of the World.
The candle is extinguished on Ascension Day, which is 40 days after Easter Sunday.
