Maddie James
A baptism candle is a symbol of hope and the light of Christ. It is an essential part of the Sacrament of Baptism and is often lit from the Pascal or Easter candle, symbolising the light of Christ that the newly baptised now live by. The candle is usually held by the godparent or the father of the child during the ceremony. It is often decorated with religious designs, symbols, names, dates, and other personal touches. The candle is meant to be kept as a precious keepsake and can be lit again on the baptised person's feast day, during sacraments, or on their deathbed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour | White |
| Symbolism | Hope, new life, light of Christ |
| Decorations | Ribbons, lace, pear strings, metallic elements, names, dates, symbols |
| Keeper | Godparents, parents, child |
| Occasions to light | Feast day, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, baptism anniversary, First Communion, Wedding day, serious illness, death |
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What You'll Learn
Baptism candles are usually white
In the Latin Rite, the priest says to the parents and godparents:
> This light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly. This child of yours has been enlightened by Christ. He (she) is to walk always as a child of the light.
In the Byzantine Rite of Baptism, the priest says:
> Parents and godparents, this light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly so that your child, enlightened by Christ, may always walk as a child of the light and, persevering in the faith, may run to meet the Lord when he comes with all the saints in the heavenly court.
The candle is also lit on the anniversary of the baptism, when the child renews their baptismal vows. In many places, it is also customary to light the candle on solemn occasions in later life, such as the day of first holy communion, the wedding day, during serious illness, and at the hour of death. The leftover candle stub is burned to its end on the day of death, symbolising a life that belongs to Christ.
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They can be decorated with symbols, names and dates
Baptism candles are often white and are lit from the Pascal or Easter candle, symbolising the light of Christ. They can be decorated with symbols, names and dates, and kept as precious mementos.
Baptism candles are often decorated with religious symbols, such as crosses, doves, or other Christian imagery. The name of the baptised person can be added, as well as the date of the baptism. The candle can be personalised with these decorations to match a banner that is often created for the occasion, with the same details included. Older siblings can be involved in the process of designing the banner and candle.
The candle is often lit on the anniversary of the baptism, and can be used on other occasions, such as a wedding day, first communion, or even at the hour of death. The leftover stub of the candle can be burned to its end on the day of death, symbolising a life that belongs to Christ.
The decorations on the candle can be added by using silk ribbons, lace, and small metallic elements. You can also design your own images and print them onto tracing paper, trimming and pinning it to the candle. You can also draw and write on wax paper, wrap it around the candle, and set it with a hairdryer.
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They are lit using the flame from the Easter candle
The lighting of the baptismal candle is a significant moment in a Christian baptism ceremony. The candle is lit using the flame from the Easter candle, symbolising the light of Christ and the start of a new life. The priest will often say a prayer as the candle is lit, such as:
> "Parents and godparents, this light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly so that your child, enlightened by Christ, may always walk as a child of the light and, persevering in the faith, may run to meet the Lord when he comes with all the saints in the heavenly court."
The candle flame represents the light of faith that will burn throughout the baptised person's life. The candle is often decorated with religious symbols, the person's name, and the date of the baptism. It is a cherished keepsake that can be lit on significant occasions throughout the person's life, such as their feast day, first reconciliation, or first Eucharist.
In Byzantine Catholic tradition, the godfather lights the baptismal candle from the Easter candle, and the priest prays that the newly baptised person may "shine with the light of faith and good works". The Latin Rite includes a reminder for the parents and godparents:
> "This light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly. This child of yours has been enlightened by Christ. He (she) is to walk always as a child of the light."
The lighting of the baptismal candle from the Easter candle is a powerful symbol of the light of Christ entering the baptised person's life. It is a reminder of the new life that has been given and the commitment to live as a child of God.
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They are a symbol of hope and the light of Christ
A baptism candle is a symbol of hope and the light of Christ. It is a reminder of the new life that has been given by Christ, the "Light of the World". The candle is typically lit during the baptism ceremony, symbolising the light of Christ entering the child's life. The flame represents the flame of faith that will guide the child throughout their life.
The colour white is often associated with baptism candles, signifying life, purity, newness, and innocence. It also represents the resurrection and the new life that comes with it. The candle can be decorated with religious symbols, crosses, or personalised with the child's name and baptism date.
In some traditions, the godfather or godmother lights the baptism candle from the Easter Candle, also known as the Pascal Candle, representing the light of faith. The priest may offer a prayer, asking that the newly baptised person shines with the light of faith and good works. The candle's light serves as a reminder to keep the flame of faith burning brightly throughout life's journey.
The baptism candle holds significance beyond the ceremony. It can become a cherished keepsake, lit on special occasions such as the child's feast day or other sacraments. Families may choose to light the candle annually on the baptism anniversary, accompanied by prayers and celebrations. The candle serves as a tangible reminder of the child's spiritual birth and their incorporation into the Christian community.
The light of the baptism candle symbolises hope and guidance on life's path. It represents the presence of Christ, illuminating the way with warmth and encouragement. The candle is often associated with other rituals, such as weddings, first holy communions, and even at the hour of death, where it may be placed by the coffin as a symbol of eternal life.
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They can be lit on a child's feast day
A baptism candle is a symbol of hope and the light of Christ. It is usually white, lit from the Pascal or Easter candle, and decorated with religious symbols. The candle is lit during the baptism ceremony, with the godfather or godmother lighting the candle from the light of the Easter Candle. The priest then says a prayer, asking that the newly baptised person may "shine with the light of faith and good works".
The candle can be decorated with the child's name, the date of baptism, and symbols reflecting the baptism. Families can also get creative by adding lace, ribbons, and other decorative elements to the candle. These candles can be bought or made at home.
The baptism candle is a precious keepsake for the child and can be lit on their feast day, also known as the anniversary of their baptism, or when they make other sacraments. It is a reminder of their spiritual birth and new life in Christ. The candle is often lit for a few minutes while the child prays and thanks God for the grace of the sacrament, renewing their baptismal vows.
In some traditions, the leftover stub of the candle is burned to its end on the day of the person's death, symbolising a life that belongs to Christ. The candle can also be lit during solemn occasions, such as the person's first holy communion, wedding day, or when receiving sacraments during a serious illness.
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Frequently asked questions
A baptism candle is a symbol of a new life that has been given by Christ, the "Light of the World".
A white candle is an essential part of the Sacrament of Baptism.
Yes, you can decorate a baptism candle with religious designs, symbols, names, dates, and godparents' names.
