Brooke Martin
The paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is blessed and lit every year at Easter and is used throughout the Eastertide and then throughout the year on occasions such as baptisms, funerals, and some other special occasions. The candle is usually made of beeswax, which symbolizes the pure flesh of Christ, received from his mother. After the Easter Vigil, some people choose to recycle their paschal candle by melting it down and turning it into smaller candles. Others choose to bury it or keep it at home. Some churches also reuse the paschal candle until it is too short.
What to do with an old Paschal candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reuse | Some congregations reuse old Paschal candles until they are too short, melting them down to make new candles or reusing the wax for art projects. |
| Recycle | Old Paschal candles can be recycled into new candles or other liturgical art projects. |
| Burial | Some believe that old Paschal candles should be buried, especially in Catholic cemeteries where blessed and consecrated objects are interred. |
| Melt | The wax from old Paschal candles can be melted down to create new baptismal candles or other liturgical candles. |
| Blessing | Old Paschal candles may be re-blessed and reused, though some congregations frown upon this practice as it removes the symbolism of Easter's newness. |
| Storage | Some individuals or congregations may choose to store old Paschal candles, either as mementos or for future reuse/recycling. |
| Art | The wax from old Paschal candles can be used for liturgical art projects, such as creating new candles with symbolic decorations. |
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What You'll Learn
Melt it down and recycle it into new candles
If you have an old Paschal candle, you can melt it down and recycle the wax to make new candles. This is a sustainable way to create new candles and reduce waste.
To melt down the old Paschal candle, you can use the double boiler method. This involves placing a heat-resistant bowl or pot over a pan of boiling water. The steam from the boiling water will slowly melt the wax. Make sure to remove any dirt and old wicks from the candle before melting it. You can also add colour dyes or fragrance oils to the melted wax to give your new candles a pleasant scent and colour.
Once the wax is completely melted, you can pour it into prepared candle moulds or holders. Place the wicks in the centre of the moulds or holders, making sure they are upright and centred. Leave at least half an inch of space at the top. Let the candles cool and harden completely, which may take 24 to 48 hours.
After the candles have hardened, you can remove them from the moulds or leave them in the holders. Trim the wicks to an appropriate length, leaving about half a centimetre above the candle's surface. Now, you have transformed your old Paschal candle into beautiful new creations!
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$85.49
Reuse it until it's too short
The paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is blessed and lit every year at Easter and is used throughout the Eastertide and then throughout the year on occasions such as baptisms, funerals, and some other special occasions. It is considered the largest candle in the worship space.
Some people reuse their paschal candle until it is too short. This involves trimming off the old burnt wicks, melting down the candle, and filtering the wax. The wax can then be remelted and poured into a mould to make a new candle. It is important to ensure that the wax is at the right temperature for pouring and moulding. One can also create their own moulds using soft plastic putty material.
To prepare the wick, take three lengths of wick a little longer than the candle mould and plait them together, knotting each end. This is then dipped in hot wax and allowed to cool, hanging up so it stays straight. The main mould can be prepared by sealing one end of a cleaned and dried drainpipe with foil and duct tape. A hole is then pierced in the centre of the foil to thread the wick through and held in place with candle sealant. The mould is then sprayed with mould release to prepare for pouring the wax.
One can also boost their candle supply by using other substantial candle ends. All the candles used should have the same composition, with 51% beeswax being the ideal choice.
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Bury it
Burying an old Paschal candle is a common practice, and there are several ways to go about it. Firstly, it is important to note that the wax from the candle can be melted down and made into new candles for prayer. This is a practical way to reuse the candle respectfully. If you choose to do this, the new candles can be buried once they are no longer usable.
Another method is to break the old candle into small pieces and place them in a container. This ensures that the wax is not scattered or stepped on. Then, bury the container in sacred ground, such as church grounds or a Catholic cemetery. This method ensures that the candle is disposed of in a respectful and reverent manner.
If you are unable to melt the wax or break it into pieces, you can bury the entire candle. This is a common practice for blessed and consecrated objects, and they are sometimes buried with priests in Catholic cemeteries. However, it is important to choose an appropriate location for the burial, such as a place where it will not be disturbed or dug up.
When burying the candle, it is also essential to consider the intentions and energy associated with it. In some traditions, the location of the burial holds symbolic value. For example, if you wish to attract love, friendship, or new opportunities, it is recommended to bury the candle stub near your front door. On the other hand, if you aim to retain blessings such as wealth or security, burying the candle in your backyard symbolizes keeping these blessings anchored to your home.
Additionally, the act of burying the candle can be a meaningful ritual in itself. It represents the completion of the cycle of spell work, allowing the earth to absorb and transform the energy of your intentions.
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Turn it into liturgical art
The paschal candle is a sacred element in Christianity, made of beeswax to represent the purity of Christ. Its wick signifies his humanity, and the flame, his divine nature. The candle is lit during baptisms, funerals, and other special occasions, symbolising the light of Christ dispelling the darkness of death.
Given the candle's significance, recycling it into liturgical art is a meaningful way to extend its life. Here are some ideas to turn your old paschal candle into liturgical art:
Liturgical Candle Art
Create new liturgical candles with your old paschal candle as the source of wax. You can design and decorate these new candles with Christological themes, making them appropriate for liturgical use. Consider customising the candles with artwork, metal leaf, and hand-painting. You can even reproduce artwork onto a thin gelatin film and apply it to the candle. This way, you can create unique liturgical art that reflects the symbolism and traditions of your parish.
Incense Grains
Another way to repurpose your old paschal candle is to create incense grains. Here's a method shared by the Liturgical Arts Journal:
- Take a teaspoon of incense and spread it flat on a microwaveable plate.
- Microwave the plate on full power for about 30 seconds, until the incense becomes warm and sticky.
- Remove the plate from the microwave and place a screw upright in the centre of the plate.
- Gradually build the incense around the top half of the screw, forming a ball or beehive shape.
- You can burn the incense grains during liturgical ceremonies, filling the air with a pleasing fragrance that adds to the sacred atmosphere.
Votive Candles
If you have a large amount of leftover wax, consider creating votive candles to share with your congregation. You'll need candle holders or moulds, wicks with clips, wick stickers, chopsticks or similar tools, and a pouring pot or double boiler. Assess how much wax you have and collect any additional candle ends to boost your supply if needed. Melt the wax safely, avoiding direct heat or microwaves to prevent fires. Then, pour the melted wax into your chosen moulds or holders and allow it to cool and solidify. These votive candles can be lit during services, extending the light and blessings of your original paschal candle.
By transforming your old paschal candle into liturgical art, you not only create aesthetically pleasing objects but also continue to honour the sacred nature of the candle and its association with significant moments in the life of your congregation.
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Make a new Paschal candle by mixing it with other old candles
If you have an old Paschal candle, you can make a new one by mixing it with other old candles. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Gather your old candles
Firstly, gather all the old candles you want to use for making your new Paschal candle. You can use old Paschal candles or any other substantial candle ends. Just make sure you have enough wax to make a large candle.
Step 2: Prepare the wax
Trim off any old burnt wicks from the candles. Then, melt the candles down and filter the wax. Allow the melted wax to solidify in blocks, so it's ready to be remelted when you're preparing to pour your new candle.
Step 3: Prepare your mould
You'll need a large mould for your new Paschal candle. A length of cleaned and dried drainpipe sealed at one end with foil and duct tape can work well. Prepare the mould by piercing a hole in the centre of the foil to thread the wick through. Secure the wick in place with candle sealant to prevent the hot wax from leaking out once poured.
Step 4: Melt the wax and pour your new candle
Now, it's time to melt your wax and pour your new candle. Ensure all the wax is melted and at the same temperature before pouring. Use a thermometer to get the right temperature - the wax should be neither too cool nor too hot. Once your wax is ready, carefully pour it into your prepared mould, taking care not to dislodge the wick.
Step 5: Decorate your new Paschal candle
Once your new candle has solidified, you can decorate it with symbols and motifs. You can create motifs by pouring soft wax into trays or moulds and cutting out shapes with biscuit cutters or icing cutters. Attach these decorations to your new candle with glue, shaping them to fit the curve of the candle.
By following these steps, you can create a unique and meaningful Paschal candle while also recycling old candles. This project can be a fun and creative way to get ready for Easter and involve your community in the candle-making process.
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Frequently asked questions
You can melt the wax down and recycle it to make new candles.
You can make votive candles or new Paschal candles.
First, assess how much wax you have. Then, obtain supplies like candle holders or moulds, wicks, wick stickers, chopsticks/ pencils/ knitting needles, and a pouring pot or double boiler.
