Brooke Martin
The Paschal candle, also known as the Easter candle, is a sacred symbol of Western Christianity. It is a large candle that is blessed and first lit at the Easter Vigil, symbolising the light of Christ conquering the darkness. The candle is used throughout the Easter season and then on special occasions throughout the year, such as baptisms, funerals and ordinations. As the liturgical year comes to an end and preparations for a new Easter Vigil begin, the question arises: what happens to the old Paschal candle? Historically, the candle was broken up after the Easter Vigil and fragments were given to the faithful. From the 10th century onwards, it was kept until the Feast of the Ascension, 40 days after Easter, and then repurposed. Today, companies like BEE Zero Waste offer a service that aligns with the Church's guidance on the treatment of blessed objects, collecting and repurposing old Paschal candles to ensure nothing is wasted.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Disposal | Old Paschal candles are collected and repurposed, not discarded. |
| Repurpose | The wax is melted down and used to make new candles or other products. |
| Symbolism | The transformation of the old candle into new candles symbolises the perpetuity of Christ's presence. |
| History | In the 10th century, the candle was kept in a place of honour until the Feast of the Ascension. |
| In the 12th century, the current year was inscribed on the candle. | |
| In the 16th century, some Paschal candles weighed 300 pounds and were melted into tapers for funerals. | |
| Size | In the US and Southern Europe, the candle is 4 inches in diameter and 36-48 inches tall. |
| In Northern Europe, the candle is shorter (19-24 inches) and wider in diameter (3-5 inches). | |
| The Paschal candle of Salisbury Cathedral was 36 feet tall. |
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What You'll Learn
The old candle is melted and made into new candles
The Paschal candle, also referred to as the "Easter candle" or the "Christ candle", is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is a rich symbol of faith and reaches its pinnacle at Easter. Each year, a new Paschal candle is blessed and lit 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 during the full 50 days of the Easter season. After the Easter season, the Paschal candle is typically moved to a place of honour near the font or baptistry, where it is used for lighting baptismal candles. The candle is also lit during funerals and placed near the coffin as a symbol of resurrection life.
As the liturgical year comes to an end and preparations for a new Easter Vigil begin, the question arises: what happens to the old Paschal candle? The answer is that the old candle is collected and repurposed. The wax is melted down and used to create new candles or other products, ensuring that nothing is wasted. This practice aligns with the Church's guidance on the treatment of blessed objects, giving them a dignified end through respectful transformation.
The process of melting down the old Paschal candle and creating new candles holds symbolic significance. It represents the perpetuity of Christ's presence and the Church's commitment to caring for God's creation. The candles that once bore the light of Christ during solemn moments in the church are transformed, and their essence contributes to the creation of new light.
BEE Zero Waste is a company that offers a service in line with this practice. They provide a solution for the respectful disposal of old Paschal candles, ensuring that the sacred becomes part of a cycle of renewal. Their approach addresses the practical aspect of disposal while also imbuing it with a sense of continuing mission.
By melting down the old Paschal candle and creating new candles, the essence of the Light of Christ is perpetuated and given new life. This act symbolises the unity and centrality of Christ in the liturgy and the life of the parish community. It is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the enduring nature of Christian symbolism.
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Fragments are given to the faithful
The Paschal candle is a sacred symbol of Christianity. It is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christian denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church, Lutheran Churches, the Anglican Communion, and Methodist Churches. The candle is adorned with symbols such as a cross, the Greek letters alpha and omega, and the current year. The candle is blessed and lit every year during the Easter Vigil service on Holy Saturday night, symbolising the Resurrection of Christ.
Initially, after the Easter Vigil, the candle would be broken up, and fragments were given to the faithful. However, from the 10th century onwards, the candle was kept in a place of honour until the Feast of the Ascension, 40 days after Easter. Over time, the candle grew in size, weighing up to 300 pounds by the 16th century. After use, these large candles were melted into tapers used at the funerals of the poor.
Today, the practice of giving fragments of the Paschal candle to the faithful is not commonly mentioned. Instead, the focus is on the respectful disposal or repurposing of old Paschal candles. BEE Zero Waste, a company specialising in sustainable solutions for sacred spaces, offers a service to collect and repurpose old Paschal candles. The wax from the old candles is melted down and given new life as new candles or other products, ensuring nothing is wasted. This practice aligns with the Church's guidance on treating blessed objects with reverence and sustainability.
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It is placed near the coffin during funeral rites
The Paschal candle, also known as the Easter candle, is a sacred emblem of Christianity. It is a large candle, often made of beeswax, that symbolises the risen Christ and represents Christ as the Light of the World. It is used in liturgies in Western Christianity, including the Roman Catholic Church, Lutheran Churches, Anglican Communion, and Methodist Churches.
The Paschal candle is first lit during the Easter Vigil, symbolising the light of Christ coming into the world. It is adorned with several symbols, including a cross, the Greek letters alpha and omega, and the current year. The candle is carried in a procession into the church, where it is placed on a special stand near the altar. It remains in the sanctuary during the full 50 days of the Easter season and is lit for liturgical services.
After the Easter season, the Paschal candle is moved to a place of honour near the baptismal font, where it is used during baptism ceremonies to symbolise new life in Christ. It is also used during other special occasions throughout the year, such as funerals.
During funeral rites, the Paschal candle is placed near the coffin as a symbol of the Christian's resurrection and passing from death to life. This practice dates back to medieval times when large Paschal candles were used in churches. Today, the candle continues to represent Christ's light conquering the darkness and life triumphing over death.
The use of the Paschal candle during funeral rites adds a sense of solemnity and reverence to the ceremony. It serves as a reminder of Christ's undying presence, his victory over sin and death, and the promise of eternal life for those who believe in Him. The candle's presence near the coffin provides comfort and hope to the grieving, illuminating the darkness with its sacred light.
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It is used during the Liturgy of Baptism
The Paschal candle, also known as the Easter candle or the Christ candle, is a significant element in Christianity. It is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity, including the Roman Catholic Church, Lutheran Churches, the Anglican Communion, and Methodist Churches. A new Paschal candle is blessed and lit annually during the Easter Vigil service on Holy Saturday night, symbolising the Resurrection of Christ. This candle is placed on a special stand near the altar and adorned with symbolic markings, such as the cross, the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, and grains of incense.
After the Easter season concludes, the Paschal candle is moved from its prominent position near the pulpit to the baptismal font. This relocation signifies its continued use in the Liturgy of Baptism. The candle is lit during baptisms, symbolising the passing of Christ's light to the newly baptised individuals. As the priests pray, "Receive the light of Christ", the candle's flame represents Christ's Divine Nature and the spiritual illumination received through the sacrament of Baptism.
The Paschal candle is an enduring symbol of faith and plays a pivotal role in the Christian journey. It is present not only during baptisms but also at funeral rites, reminding believers of the promise of resurrection and eternal life with Christ. The candle's size and placement vary across different regions and denominations, but its significance remains unwavering.
The lighting of the Paschal candle during the Easter Vigil holds profound meaning. The candle is first adorned with symbolic markings, then lit from a sacred fire, dispelling darkness and representing Christ as the Light of the World. The assembly processes into the church, led by the candle, chanting "The light of Christ" and responding with "Thanks be to God". This ritual symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and reinforces the centrality of Christ in Christian faith and liturgy.
The Paschal candle is not just a source of light but also a powerful symbol of transformation and hope. Its presence during significant rites of passage, such as baptisms and funerals, underscores the belief in Christ's presence during pivotal moments in the Christian life cycle. The candle's light serves as a reminder of Christ's light shining in the world, guiding believers towards salvation and eternal life.
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It is kept in a place of honour near the Gospel
The Paschal candle, also known as the Easter candle or the Christ candle, is a sacred symbol in Christianity. It is a large candle that is often adorned with a cross, symbols of the resurrection, the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, and the year. It is blessed and first lit at the Easter Vigil, symbolising the light of Christ coming into the world. The candle is typically placed near the altar or pulpit during the Easter season and is lit for all liturgies.
After the Easter season, the Paschal candle is moved to a place of honour near the Gospel in the baptistry for use in baptism ceremonies. It is kept near the baptismal font to symbolise new life in Christ through baptism. The newly baptised person may receive a small baptismal candle lit from the Paschal candle. The Paschal candle is also used during funeral rites, placed near the coffin as a symbol of resurrection and the Christian's passover from death to life.
In the past, the candle was broken up after the Easter Vigil and fragments were given to the faithful. However, from the 10th century onwards, it was kept and honoured until the Feast of the Ascension, 40 days after Easter. Over time, the candle grew in size, with some Paschal candles weighing up to 300 pounds by the 16th century. After use, these large candles were melted into tapers for use at the funerals of the poor.
Today, old Paschal candles are still collected and repurposed rather than discarded. The wax is melted down and used to create new candles or other products, symbolising the perpetuity of Christ's presence and the Church's commitment to sustainability. This practice aligns with the Church's guidance on the respectful treatment and disposal of blessed objects.
The placement of the Paschal candle is carefully considered to ensure its visibility and effective symbolism. It is often placed near the ambo or in the middle of the sanctuary during the Easter Vigil and throughout the Easter season. In some churches, the candle stand is made of marble and permanently attached to the ambo.
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Frequently asked questions
The old Paschal candle is repurposed. The wax is melted down and used to make new candles or other products.
After the Easter season, the Paschal candle is kept near the font and used for baptisms, symbolising new life in Christ.
The Paschal candle is made of beeswax, which represents the purity of Christ.
