Brooke Martin
The Paschal candle, also known as the Easter candle, is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is lit and blessed every year at Easter and is used throughout the Eastertide and beyond. The candle is placed near the altar and is lit for liturgical services during the 50 days of the Easter season. The candle is then placed next to the baptismal font after Pentecost. In some traditions, the candle is extinguished on Ascension Day, while in others, it remains lit until Pentecost, symbolising the conclusion of the Easter season.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Paschal candle, Easter candle, Christ candle |
| Symbolism | Christ, Light of the World, Resurrection |
| Composition | Beeswax |
| Liturgical use | Lit at Easter and throughout the year on occasions such as baptisms, funerals, and ordinations of priests |
| Placement | Near the altar, next to the baptismal font, or in the baptistry |
| Timing | Lit at Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night, extinguished at Pentecost |
| Variations | Eastern Orthodox Church uses Paschal trikirion, a candlestick with three candles |
| Historical variations | Broken up after Easter Vigil and fragments given to the faithful; kept until Feast of Ascension; inscribed with the current year |
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What You'll Learn
The Easter candle is extinguished at Pentecost
The Easter candle, also known as the Paschal candle, is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is a powerful Christian symbol of Christ's resurrection and light of the world. The candle is lit and blessed during the Easter Vigil service on Holy Saturday night, and it remains in the sanctuary during the 50 days of the Easter season.
The Easter candle is typically extinguished at the conclusion of the Easter season, which is marked by Pentecost Sunday. This is to symbolize the absence of the Lord and the end of the Easter celebrations. In some traditions, the candle is extinguished on Ascension Day, 40 days after Easter, rather than at Pentecost.
The Easter candle is often decorated with symbols such as a cross, the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, and the current year. It is placed near the altar and lit during solemn liturgical celebrations. The lighting of the candle represents the light of Christ, dispelling the darkness of a world without Him.
After Pentecost, the candle is placed next to the baptismal font and is typically only brought out during baptisms and funerals. The fire from the Easter candle may be used to light the candles of those being baptized, symbolizing the Holy Spirit and fire that John the Baptist promised to those who were baptized in Christ.
The use of the Easter candle has varied over the centuries. In pre-conciliar times, the candle was extinguished at the end of vespers if exposition and Benediction followed immediately. In some traditions, the candle is not lit during the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in Eastertide.
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The candle symbolises the presence of Christ
The Easter candle, also known as the Paschal candle, is a symbol of Christ's presence. The candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is lit and blessed at the Easter Vigil, which takes place on Holy Saturday night. The candle is placed on a special stand near the altar and remains in the sanctuary for the full 50 days of the Easter season, until Pentecost when it is placed next to the baptismal font.
The practice of lighting the Easter candle is believed to have originated in the earliest days of Christianity, inspired by the Jewish custom of lighting a lamp at the conclusion of the Sabbath. The candle is also referred to as the "Christ candle", and its blessing and lighting are considered solemn moments in the service.
The Easter candle is typically removed from the sanctuary at the conclusion of the Easter season, after the final Mass on Pentecost Sunday. The Roman Missal states that it is desirable to keep the candle in the baptistery so that it can be lit during baptism celebrations and used to light the candles of those being baptised.
The Easter candle is a powerful symbol of Christ's presence and resurrection, and its lighting during the Easter Vigil is a significant ritual in Western Christianity.
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It is used in liturgies in Western Christianity
The Paschal candle, also known as the Easter 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 candle is blessed and lit every year at Easter and is used throughout the Eastertide. It is lit at least in all the more solemn liturgical celebrations of Eastertide, but not at all Masses and community celebrations of the Divine Office.
The candle is lit from a new fire during the Easter Vigil service on Holy Saturday night. This fire serves as an image of the Resurrection, with the candle itself representing Christ. The candle is placed on a special stand near the altar, where it remains for the full 50 days of the Easter season. It is then lit for liturgical services during that time. The candle is often decorated with a cross, symbols of the resurrection, the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, and the year.
The use of the Paschal candle has varied over the centuries. In the past, it was broken up after the Easter Vigil and fragments were given to the faithful. From the 10th century onwards, it was kept near the Gospel until the Feast of the Ascension, 40 days after Easter. Today, it is typically used throughout the year on occasions such as baptisms, funerals, and some other special occasions.
In some traditions, the candle is extinguished on Ascension Day, after the Gospel. However, in the liturgical reforms of the 20th century, it was decided that the candle should stay lit until Pentecost, marking the conclusion of the Easter season. After Pentecost, the candle is placed next to the baptismal font and is lit during baptisms to signify the Holy Spirit and fire that John the Baptist promised to those baptised in Christ.
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The candle is decorated with a cross and symbols of the resurrection
The Paschal candle, also known as the Easter candle, is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is a powerful Christian symbol of Christ's resurrection and light of the world. The candle is lit and blessed during the Easter Vigil service on Holy Saturday night. The candle is placed on a special stand near the altar and remains in the sanctuary on its stand during the 50 days of the Easter season. It is lit for liturgical services during this time.
The Easter candle is decorated with a cross, the most prominent symbol, which clearly identifies it as the Paschal candle. The Greek letters alpha and omega are also featured, symbolising that God is the beginning and the end. The current year is displayed between the arms of the cross. Five grains of incense, encased in red or golden wax "nails", are embedded into the candle. These represent the five holy wounds: the three nails that pierced Christ's hands and feet, the spear that wounded his side, and the crown of thorns. The incense recalls the spices used to prepare Christ's body for burial.
The Easter candle is lit during baptisms to signify the Holy Spirit and the fire promised to those baptised in Christ. The candle is also lit during other special occasions, such as funerals and the ordination of priests. The fire from the Paschal candle is used to light another liturgical candle.
At the conclusion of the Easter season, the candle is removed and typically only brought out during baptisms and funerals. The Roman Missal states that it should be removed after the final Mass on Pentecost Sunday.
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The candle is lit during baptisms
The Easter candle, also known as the Paschal candle, is a powerful symbol in Christianity. It represents Christ and his resurrection, as well as the Light of the World. The candle is lit during Easter and remains in the sanctuary for the 50 days of the Easter season. After Pentecost, it is placed near the baptismal font and lit during baptisms.
The lighting of the Easter candle during baptisms holds significant meaning. Firstly, it signifies the Holy Spirit and the fire that John the Baptist promised to those who were baptised in Christ. The flame is meant to "be kept burning brightly", symbolising the presence of the Holy Spirit and illuminating the path of the newly baptised.
The Easter candle is also used during the renewal of baptismal vows. In some traditions, the congregation's candles are relit from the Easter candle during the renewal rite, symbolically reconnecting them to their baptismal promises. This practice emphasises the unity of the congregation with those being baptised, as they collectively reaffirm their commitment to their Christian faith.
Additionally, the Easter candle's presence during baptisms serves as a reminder of the Easter season and its connection to Pentecost. By keeping the candle lit until Pentecost, the Church highlights the paschal nature of Pentecost, indicating that it marks the conclusion of the Easter season. Thus, the Easter candle's light during baptisms extends beyond a symbolic gesture, serving as a visual reminder of the ongoing Easter celebration.
The Easter candle's role during baptisms is steeped in tradition and symbolism. Its presence enhances the sacredness of the baptismal rite, connecting the newly baptised individual to the broader community of believers and the transformative power of Christ's resurrection.
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Frequently asked questions
The Easter candle, also known as 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 Easter candle is removed and extinguished at the conclusion of the Easter season, which falls on Pentecost Sunday. It is then typically only brought out during baptisms and funerals.
The Easter candle originated in the earliest days of Christianity, when evening prayer began with the lighting of a candle. It is probably inspired by the Jewish custom of lighting a lamp at the conclusion of the Sabbath.
