Brooke Martin
The Easter candle, also known as the Paschal candle, is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. The candle is lit during the Easter Vigil, symbolizing the light of Christ's resurrection overcoming the darkness of the tomb. The Easter candle is often decorated with symbols of Christ's resurrection, such as a cross or an image of the resurrected Christ. It is also used to bless other candles and objects during Easter services. The Easter candle is a powerful symbol of Christ's resurrection and light of the world.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Paschal candle, Easter candle, Christ candle |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Denominations | Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, Presbyterian |
| Composition | Beeswax, wick |
| Colour | White, ivory, yellow |
| Diameter | 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) |
| Height | 36-48 inches (91-122 cm) in Southern Europe and the US; 19-24 inches (48-61 cm) in Northern Europe |
| Weight | Up to 300 pounds |
| Symbols | Cross, Greek letters alpha and omega, current year, five grains of incense, paper flowers, wheat stalks, greenery, red stripe |
| Usage | Lit during Easter service, baptisms, funerals, ordinations, taking of vows, consecration of virgins |
| Symbolism | Christ's resurrection, triumph over death, new life, hope, Christ's presence in the world, Christ's power over death |
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What You'll Learn
- The Easter candle is also called the Paschal candle
- It is a symbol of Christ's resurrection and triumph over death
- The candle is lit during Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night
- It is made of beeswax and symbolises Christ's pure and sinless nature
- The candle is used to bless other candles and objects during Easter services
The Easter candle is also called the Paschal candle
A new Paschal candle is blessed and lit every year at Easter, symbolizing the light of Christ's resurrection overcoming the darkness of the tomb. The candle is often decorated with symbols of Christ's resurrection, such as a cross, the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, and the year. The candle is lit during the Easter Vigil, usually held on Holy Saturday night, and is considered one of the most solemn moments of the service.
The Paschal candle is placed on the altar cross side of the sanctuary to symbolize that Christ has conquered death and sin. It is the first candle to be lit with a flame from the sacred fire, representing the risen Christ and the light of Christ coming into the world. During the procession, the candle is raised three times, accompanied by the chant "The light of Christ," to which the assembly responds, "Thanks be to God."
The Paschal candle is used throughout the Easter season and on other special occasions, such as baptisms and funerals. It is often used to bless other candles and objects during Easter services. The candle represents Christ, the Light of the World, and the pure beeswax symbolizes Christ's sinless nature. The wick signifies His humanity, and the flame represents His Divine Nature, encompassing both soul and body.
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It is a symbol of Christ's resurrection and triumph over death
The Paschal candle, also known as the Easter candle, is a symbol of Christ's resurrection and triumph over death. The candle is lit during the Easter Vigil, symbolizing the light of Christ's resurrection overcoming the darkness of the tomb. The candle is often decorated with symbols of Christ's resurrection, such as a cross or an image of the resurrected Christ. The pure beeswax of which the candle is made represents the pure and sinless life of Christ, received from his mother. The candle's wick signifies Christ's humanity, while the flame represents his divine nature, encompassing both his soul and body.
The Paschal candle is a large, white candle that is lit during the Easter service. It is the largest candle in the worship space and is placed on a special stand near the altar. The candle is carried into the sanctuary (as Christ was carried to the tomb) and is a focal point in Easter services. The candle burns from Good Friday through Easter Sunday, reminding Christians that the glory and spirit of God are always with them. The yellow or ivory colour of the candle symbolizes attainment, beginning, hope, and victory over darkness.
The Paschal candle is lit for the entire Easter season, which lasts fifty days. The flame symbolises the presence of Christ and his light in the world. During services, the candle is often passed from one person to another, signifying the movement of Christ's love and grace throughout the community. The candle is also used to bless other candles and objects during Easter services.
The Paschal candle is adorned with several common symbols. The cross is the most prominent symbol and most clearly identifies the candle as the Paschal candle. The Greek letters alpha and omega symbolize that God is the beginning and the end, as written in the Book of Revelation. The numerals of the current year are displayed between the arms of the cross. Five grains of incense, encased in red or golden wax "nails", represent the five holy wounds of Christ, recalling the aromatic spices used to prepare his body for the tomb.
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The candle is lit during Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night
The Easter Vigil, also known as the Paschal Vigil, is a liturgy held in traditional Christian churches as the first official celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus. It is held in the hours of darkness between sunset on Holy Saturday and sunrise on Easter Day. It is the longest service of the year and is filled with powerful scripture and beautiful liturgical traditions. It is also when the Church grows, as catechumens can receive the Catholic sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion on the same night.
The Easter Vigil liturgies of the Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, and Presbyterian Churches are nearly identical. On Maundy Thursday, all candles and lamps are extinguished, symbolizing the darkness of a world without Christ. The Easter Vigil begins with a new fire being lit and blessed. The Paschal candle, or Easter candle, is then lit from this new fire. The Paschal candle is a large, white candle, often decorated with symbols of Christ's resurrection, such as a cross or an image of the resurrected Christ. It is the largest candle in the worship space and is placed on the altar cross side of the sanctuary.
The Paschal candle is lit during the Easter Vigil, symbolizing the light of Christ's resurrection overcoming the darkness of the tomb. It is also lit during baptisms, signifying new life in Christ. The candle's flame represents the presence of Christ and His light in the world. During the Easter Vigil, 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 Exultet, also known as the Easter Proclamation, is a hymn that celebrates the holiness of the night. It includes words such as:
> This is the night of which it is written: The night shall be as bright as day, dazzling is the night for me, and full of gladness. The sanctifying power of this night dispels wickedness, washes faults away, restores innocence to the fallen, and joy to mourners, drives out hatred, fosters concord, and brings down the mighty.
The Easter Vigil concludes with a celebratory hymn like "Jesus Christ is Risen Today." Although the liturgy ends late into the night, churches often hold gatherings with food and drink to celebrate.
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It is made of beeswax and symbolises Christ's pure and sinless nature
The Paschal candle, also known as the Easter candle, is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is made of beeswax, which symbolises Christ's pure and sinless nature. The candle is lit during the Easter Vigil, usually held on Holy Saturday night, and symbolises the light of Christ's resurrection overcoming the darkness of the tomb.
The 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. Over time, the candle grew in size and weight, and by the 12th century, it became common to inscribe the candle with the current year. Today, the candle is often decorated with symbols of Christ's resurrection, such as a cross or an image of the resurrected Christ. It is also used to bless other candles and objects during Easter services.
The candle is typically carried into the sanctuary on Good Friday and placed in a prominent area throughout the Easter season. It is lit from Good Friday through Easter Sunday, symbolising that Christ has conquered death and sin. The flame of the candle represents the presence of Christ and His light in the world. During services, the candle is often transferred from one person to another, signifying the movement of Christ's love and grace throughout the community.
The Paschal candle is also lit during baptisms, symbolising new life in Christ and signifying the passing of the light of Christ to each person baptised. It may also be used at funeral services, where it is placed next to the casket as a reminder that the sacrament of baptism is a death and resurrection in Christ. The candle is a powerful symbol of Christ's resurrection and light of the world, and its use during Easter services carries significant meaning and symbolism for Christians.
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The candle is used to bless other candles and objects during Easter services
The Paschal candle, also known as the Easter candle, is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is a powerful symbol of Christ's resurrection and light of the world. The candle is lit during the Easter Vigil, symbolizing the light of Christ's resurrection overcoming the darkness of the tomb. The candle is often decorated with symbols of Christ's resurrection, such as a cross or an image of the resurrected Christ.
The Paschal candle is placed on a special stand near the altar during the 50 days of the Easter season and is lit during liturgical services. It is also used during baptisms, symbolizing new life in Christ, and at funeral services, where it is placed next to the casket as a reminder of the resurrection. The candle is typically made of pure beeswax, which represents the pure and sinless life of Jesus.
The 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. Today, it is kept lit during the entire Easter season and is used to bless other candles and objects during Easter services. The flame of the Paschal candle symbolizes the presence of Christ and His light in the world. During services, the candle is often transferred from one person to another, signifying the movement of Christ's love and grace throughout the community.
The Paschal candle is typically white or ivory in colour, symbolizing attainment, beginning, hope and victory over darkness. It is adorned with various symbols, including a cross, the Greek letters Alpha and Omega (representing the beginning and the end), five grains of incense (representing the wounds of Christ), and the current year. The candle is usually tall and thick, with a diameter of 2 to 4 inches and a height of up to 50 inches in some cases.
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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.
The Easter candle symbolises Christ's presence in the world and his power over death. It also represents Jesus, the light who came into a darkened world.
The Easter candle is made of beeswax, which represents the pure and sinless life of Jesus.
The Easter candle is lit during the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night, which celebrates Jesus' resurrection from the dead. The candle remains lit throughout the 50 days of the Easter season.
During the Easter Vigil service, a fire is kindled in a metal bowl, from which the Easter candle is lit. The candle is then carried in procession into the dark church, symbolising Christ being carried to the tomb.
