Maddie James
The Paschal candle, also known as the Easter candle or Christ candle, is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is 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 extinguished at the conclusion of the Easter season, which is after Pentecost Sunday or Ascension Day, depending on the tradition being followed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When is the Paschal candle extinguished? | At the conclusion of the Easter season. In some traditions, it is extinguished at Pentecost, while in others, it is extinguished at Ascension. |
| What is the Paschal candle? | A large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity, including the Roman Catholic Church, Lutheran Churches, Anglican Communion, and Methodist Churches. |
| What does it symbolize? | The risen Christ, with its light representing the spreading of Christ's light into the congregation and the world. |
| When is it lit? | It is lit during solemn liturgical celebrations during the Easter season, including baptisms, and other special occasions throughout the year. |
| Where is it placed? | It is typically placed near the altar in the sanctuary during Eastertide and then moved near the font after the Easter season. |
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What You'll Learn
- The Paschal candle is extinguished at the conclusion of the Easter season
- In some traditions, the candle is extinguished at Ascension
- The candle is lit during solemn liturgical celebrations during the Easter season
- The candle is blessed and lit every year at Easter
- The candle symbolises the presence of the risen Christ
The Paschal candle is extinguished at the conclusion of the Easter season
The Paschal candle, also known as the Easter candle or the Christ candle, is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is a notable feature of the service on Holy Saturday, where it is blessed and lit. The candle is often decorated with a cross, symbols of the resurrection, the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, and the year. The term “Paschal” is related to Easter or Passover.
The Paschal candle is lit from the new fire during the Easter Vigil and carried by the deacon, who pauses three times and sings or says, "The light of Christ," to which the people respond, "Thanks be to God." The candle is then carried to the chancel, where its flame may be used to light the candles held by members of the congregation, symbolising the spreading of the light of Christ.
The Paschal candle is typically lit during the Easter season, from Easter through to Pentecost. However, some traditions extinguish the candle on Ascension Day, which falls 40 days after Easter and before Pentecost. In the past, the Paschal candle was removed on the feast of the Ascension, symbolising Jesus' ascension into Heaven.
After the conclusion of the Easter season, the Paschal candle is extinguished. It is then placed near the font or in the baptistery, where it is lit during baptisms, symbolising new life in Christ. The candles of those being baptised may be lit from the Paschal candle, connecting them to the light of Christ.
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In some traditions, the candle is extinguished at Ascension
The Paschal candle is a large candle that symbolises the risen Christ. It is often decorated with a cross, symbols of the resurrection, the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, and the year. The term “Paschal” refers to Easter or Passover. The candle is lit at the Easter Vigil from a new flame, symbolising the light of Christ. It is carried by the deacon, who pauses three times and sings or says, "The light of Christ", to which the people respond, "Thanks be to God".
However, this custom has been criticised for erroneously signifying the removal of the glorified risen Christ from the world. The Ascension, rather, represents the idea that the risen Christ is now present at all places and times.
In the 20th century, liturgical reforms dictated that the candle should remain lit until Pentecost to emphasise the unity of Eastertide as a season. This also highlights the period between Ascension and Pentecost, which was a terrifying time for the disciples without Christ's bodily presence, awaiting the Holy Spirit.
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The candle is lit during solemn liturgical celebrations during the Easter season
The Paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity, including the Roman Catholic Church, Lutheran Churches, Anglican Communion, and Methodist Churches. A new candle is blessed and lit every year at Easter. The candle is lit during solemn liturgical celebrations during the Easter season.
The candle is lit during the Easter Vigil and carried by the deacon, who pauses three times and sings or says, "The light of Christ," to which the people respond, "Thanks be to God." The candle is placed in its stand, and the Exsultet is sung or said. The candle is then lit for all liturgies until Pentecost Sunday.
In some traditions, the candle is extinguished on Ascension Day, symbolizing the presence of the glorified risen Christ. In the ordinary form, the candle is to be lit during all the more solemn liturgical celebrations of the season until Pentecost Sunday, whether at Mass or Morning and Evening Prayer.
The candle is also used throughout the year on occasions such as baptisms, where the candles of those being baptized are lit from it, symbolizing the new life in Christ that we share in baptism. It is also used at funerals, placed near the coffin to indicate that the death of a Christian is their own Passover.
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The candle is blessed and lit every year at Easter
The Paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. A new Paschal candle is blessed and lit every year at Easter. The candle is lit during an Easter Vigil service on Holy Saturday night. This service includes the lighting of a "new" and blessed fire in a metal bowl called a brazier. The Paschal candle is the first candle to be lit by this sacred fire, representing the light of Christ coming into the world. The candle is carried in procession into the dark church, and its flame may be used to light the candles held by members of the congregation. This symbolises the spreading of the light of Christ into the congregation and the world.
The Paschal candle is placed on a special stand near the altar, where it remains for the full 50 days of the Easter season. It is lit for liturgical services during this time and is used throughout the Eastertide. The candle is often decorated with a cross, symbols of the resurrection, the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, and the year. The term "Paschal" comes from the Latin word "Pascha", derived from the Hebrew word "Pesach", meaning Passover.
After the Easter season, the Paschal candle is typically placed near the font and is lit during baptisms, representing the new life in Christ that is shared through baptism. The newly baptised person may receive a small candle lit from the Paschal candle. The candle may also be used at funeral services, where it is placed next to the casket as a reminder of the resurrection.
The use of the Paschal candle has varied over the centuries. In the past, it was extinguished after the Easter Vigil and given to the faithful in fragments. Later, it was kept until the Feast of the Ascension, 40 days after Easter. Today, it is often lit until Pentecost, approximately 50 days after Easter, to highlight the presence of Christ for 40 days after his resurrection.
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The candle symbolises the presence of the risen Christ
The Paschal candle, also known as the Easter candle or the Christ candle, is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is often decorated with a cross, symbols of the resurrection, the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, and the year. The term "Paschal" comes from the Latin word "Pascha", derived from the Hebrew word "Pesach", meaning Passover, and relates to the Paschal mystery of salvation.
The Paschal candle symbolises the presence of the risen Christ and is lit at Easter to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. The lighting of the candle represents the light of Christ coming into the world, dispelling the darkness of death. It is typically lit during the Easter Vigil, a solemn mass celebrated after sunset on Holy Saturday before the dawn of Easter Sunday. The deacon or celebrant carries the candle, pausing three times and singing or saying, "The light of Christ," to which the people respond, "Thanks be to God."
The Paschal candle is often used at baptisms, symbolising new life in Christ. The candles of those being baptised are lit from the Paschal candle, connecting them to the light of Christ. It may also be used at funerals and other special occasions, such as the ordination of priests or the taking of vows. In some traditions, the candle is extinguished at Ascension Day, symbolising the ascension of Jesus into heaven. However, in liturgical reforms, it was decided that the candle should stay lit until Pentecost in some traditions, representing the presence of the Holy Spirit.
The Christ candle is also significant during Advent, when it is placed in the centre of an Advent wreath. It is lit on Christmas Eve along with the four Advent candles, symbolising the light that the Son brought into the world through his birth. This light represents the true light of God, shining in the darkness, and reminds Christians of their fellowship with Christ and the need to walk in the light. Thus, the Christ candle plays a pivotal role in Christian liturgies throughout the year, serving as a powerful symbol of the risen Christ and the light He brings to the world.
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Frequently asked questions
The Paschal candle is extinguished at the conclusion of the Easter season. In some traditions, it is extinguished on Ascension Day, while in others, it is left lit until Pentecost.
The Paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity, including the Roman Catholic Church, Lutheran Churches, Anglican Communion, and Methodist Churches. It is often decorated with a cross, symbols of the resurrection, the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, and the year. The candle symbolizes the risen Christ and is lit from the new fire at the Easter Vigil.
After the Paschal candle is extinguished, it is customary to keep it in the baptistery or near the font so that it can be lit again during baptisms. The newly baptized person may receive a small candle lit from the Paschal candle.
