Brooke Martin
The baptismal candle is a symbol of new life and faith in Christ, the Light of the World. In many Christian traditions, the candle is lit during the baptism ceremony and entrusted to the parents or godparents, who are reminded to keep the light burning brightly. The candle is often decorated with religious designs and kept in the home, lit on special occasions and the anniversary of the baptism. The leftover candle stub is sometimes burned at the person's wake. When giving the baptismal candle, the priest or deacon says: Receive the Light of Christ. Parents and Godparents, this light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly. These children have been enlightened by Christ. They are to walk always as children of the light.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Symbolism | The candle is a symbol of new life given by Christ, the "Light of the World" |
| Candle Source | The candle is lit from the Paschal Candle or the Easter Candle |
| Candle Keeper | The candle is given to the parents or godparents to be kept burning brightly |
| Religious Design | The candles are often decorated with religious designs |
| Candle Usage | The candle is burned for a few minutes on the anniversary of baptism |
| Candle Usage | The candle is burned while receiving the sacraments in serious illness |
| Candle Usage | The candle is burned on the day of first holy communion |
| Candle Usage | The candle is burned on the wedding day |
| Candle Usage | The candle stub can be burned to its end on the day of death |
| Candle Placement | The candle is placed at the head of the coffin during the wake |
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What You'll Learn
The candle is a symbol of new life
The candle is usually held by the godparent or the father of the child during the ceremony. In the Latin Rite, the parents and godparents are reminded that the light is entrusted to them and that the child has been enlightened by Christ, and they are instructed to keep the candle burning brightly. The candle is often decorated with religious designs and taken home by the parents after the ceremony, to be carefully kept and lit on the anniversary of the baptism.
The colour white is also a significant part of the baptism ceremony, symbolising life, purity, newness, and innocence. The child is clothed in a white garment, such as a christening gown, shawl, or baptismal gown, to represent their new life in Christ. This garment is often a family heirloom, passed down through generations for use in baptism ceremonies.
In addition to the candle and white garment, other symbols of baptism include water, oil, and the Chi-rho or cross. Water is necessary for life and symbolises the washing away of sins and the new spiritual life the baptised person is entering. Oil is also used during the ceremony, representing salvation, strength, and participation in the priesthood of Christ. The Chi-rho, or the first two letters of the Greek word for Christ, represents Jesus, in whose name the disciples are baptised.
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Parents and godparents are reminded to keep the candle burning brightly
Parents and godparents, as you hold this lighted candle, you are reminded that this child has been enlightened by Christ and has begun their journey in faith. This light is entrusted to you, to be kept burning brightly, and so these children may always walk as children of the light.
The baptismal candle is a symbol of a new life given by Christ, the "Light of the World". It is a light that should never be extinguished or hidden but shine forever. It is a reminder of the responsibility to keep the flame of faith alive in their hearts and to guide them on the path of righteousness.
The candle is often decorated with religious designs and cherished as a symbol of spiritual birth. It is customary to light the candle annually on the anniversary of the baptism, as the child renews their baptismal vows. The light of the candle serves as a reminder of the child's commitment to Christ and their journey towards spiritual enlightenment.
In some traditions, the leftover stub of the candle is kept and burned on the day of one's death, symbolising a life that belongs to Christ and is filled with His joy, light, and beauty. The candle is also lit during significant life events, such as first holy communion, wedding days, and in times of serious illness, serving as a continuous reminder of one's baptismal vows and faith.
Therefore, parents and godparents, as you hold this candle, remember your sacred duty to nurture and guide this child in their spiritual journey, keeping the light of faith burning brightly within them.
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The candle is lit from the Paschal candle
The Paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is made of beeswax to represent the purity of Christ, with the candle's wick symbolising Christ's humanity and the flame His Divine Nature. The candle is lit from the sacred fire, symbolising the light of Christ coming into the world.
The Paschal candle is lit during baptisms to signify the Holy Spirit and fire that John the Baptist promised to those who were baptised in Christ. The candle is lit from the sacred fire, and the flame is then used to light the baptismal candle. This symbolises the light of Christ passing to each person being baptised.
The baptismal candle is then given to the godfather or sponsor, who is reminded that the light is entrusted to them and that the child has been enlightened by Christ. The candle is to be kept burning brightly, symbolising the light of faith and good works.
The leftover stub of the baptismal candle is carefully kept in the home and lit on the anniversary of the baptism. It is also lit on other 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 Paschal candle holds deep significance in Christianity, representing the light of Christ and symbolising His presence, purity, and Divine Nature.
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The candle is a reminder of a child's baptism
The candle is lit from the Paschal Candle, which is itself lit with great solemnity at the Easter Vigil, symbolising the Risen Lord's triumph over suffering and death. The priest or deacon says, "Receive the Light of Christ", and the child is welcomed into God's family as a disciple. The candle is a reminder that the child has been marked as a child of God and is now part of a community of believers that stretches back to the first disciples.
The baptismal candle is often taken home and carefully kept by the family. It is lit again on the anniversary of the baptism, when the child renews their baptismal vows in joyful prayer. The candle may also be lit on other solemn occasions in the child's life, such as their first Holy Communion, their Wedding Day, during serious illness, and at the hour of death.
The leftover candle stub can be burned to its end on the day of death, symbolising a life that belongs to Christ. The candle, therefore, serves as a reminder of the sacred journey that began with baptism and continued throughout the person's life.
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The candle stub can be burned on the day of death
The baptismal candle is a symbol of new life, enlightenment, and faith in Christ, the "Light of the World". The candle is often lit during the ceremony and handed to the godfather or sponsor, who is reminded to keep it burning brightly, representing the light of faith that should never be extinguished.
The candle stub can be burned on the day of one's death, symbolising the end of a life that belongs to Christ. This practice signifies the belief that the soul, once illuminated by Christ, will return to Him, shining with the light of faith and good works. The burning candle stub represents the joy, light, beauty, and even the suffering that comes with a life of devotion to Christ.
The anniversary of one's baptism is often celebrated as a personal feast day, marking the birth of supernatural life. On this day, the candle is lit for a few minutes while the baptised individual renews their baptismal vows and gives thanks to God. The candle is also lit on other solemn occasions, such as the day of first holy communion, weddings, during serious illness, and at the hour of death.
The baptismal candle holds significant meaning for the baptised person and their family, serving as a reminder of their spiritual birth and commitment to Christ. It is cherished and carefully kept in the home, often decorated with religious designs, and becomes a source of comfort and connection to their faith throughout their lives.
The candle's light serves as a powerful reminder of the presence and guidance of Christ, illuminating the path of the baptised individual as they journey through life, facing both joys and challenges. The burning of the candle stub at the end of one's life symbolises the eternal nature of Christ's light and the belief in everlasting life with Him.
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Frequently asked questions
The candle is a symbol of new life given by Christ, the "Light of the World".
The godfather lights the baptismal candle from the light of the Easter Candle. The priest then prays for the newly baptised person to "shine with the light of faith and good works".
The leftover candle stub can be burned to its end on the day of one's death, symbolising a life that belongs to Christ.
The priest says, "Receive the Light of Christ. Parents and Godparents, this light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly. These children have been enlightened by Christ. They are to walk always as children of the light. May they keep the flame of faith alive in their hearts. When the Lord comes, may they go out to meet him with all the saints in the heavenly kingdom."
The baptismal candle is taken home and carefully kept. On the anniversary of the baptism, it is lit for a few minutes while the child prays and renews their baptismal vows.
