Tyler Brooks
The Easter candle, also known as the Paschal candle, is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity, including the Roman Catholic Church. The Easter candle symbolises the resurrection and light of Christ, dispelling the darkness of death. It is lit during the Easter Vigil on the night of Holy Saturday, and remains lit during the Easter season until Pentecost Sunday. In some traditions, the candle is lit until Ascension Day, when it is extinguished after the Gospel. The candle is placed in a prominent position near the altar or pulpit and is used during solemn liturgical celebrations and special occasions such as baptisms and funerals throughout the year.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Paschal candle |
| Composition | Beeswax |
| Symbolism | Purity of Christ, Christ's humanity, Christ's Divine Nature, Christ's resurrection, light of Christ |
| Timing | Lit during Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, Lit during Mass and other liturgies from Easter until Pentecost, Lit during baptisms throughout the year |
| Placement | Near the altar, Near the coffin during funeral rites, Near the casket during funeral Mass, Near the baptismal font after Easter |
| Associated Customs | Procession into the church, Chant "The light of Christ", Incense insertion, Symbols of cross, Alpha and Omega, wheat and grapes, chalice and host, 12 Apostles, Good Shepherd, Lamb, Sacred Heart, Risen Christ |
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What You'll Learn
The Easter candle is lit during the Easter Vigil
The Easter candle, also known as the Paschal candle, is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is a sacred element in Christianity, representing the light of Christ, especially Christ risen from the dead. The candle's wick signifies Christ's humanity, and the flame His Divine Nature.
Before the candle is lit, the minister says words to the effect of: "May the light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds." The candle is then blessed with a stylus, which cuts a cross in the wax and traces other symbols on the candle, including the Alpha and the Omega, representing Christ as the beginning and the end. The candle is adorned with five grains of incense, representing the five wounds of Christ and the aromatic spices used to prepare Christ's body for the tomb.
The Easter candle is lit during Mass and other liturgies from Easter until Pentecost Sunday. It is placed in a prominent position in the church sanctuary, near the altar, and is lit during all the more solemn liturgical celebrations of the season. After the Easter season, the candle is moved to the baptistry, where it is used to light the candles of the baptised during baptism ceremonies.
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It symbolises the resurrection and light of Christ
The Easter candle, also known as the Paschal candle, is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity, including the Roman Catholic Church. It is blessed and lit every year at Easter and is used throughout the Easter season until Pentecost Sunday, when it is extinguished. The candle is lit during Mass and other solemn liturgical celebrations during this period.
The Easter candle is a symbol of the resurrection and light of Christ. The lighting of the candle represents Christ, the light of the world, dispelling darkness (death). This idea is reflected in the words said by the minister before the candle is lit: "May the light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds".
The Easter candle also represents the risen Christ, reminding Christians of Jesus' words in the Gospel of John: "I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life". The candle symbolises the presence of the glorified risen Christ, and its light represents the Holy Spirit and fire that John the Baptist promised to those who were baptised in Christ.
The Easter candle also evokes the "pillar of fire" that led the people of Israel and protected them as they escaped slavery in Egypt. In this way, the candle symbolises Christ guiding and protecting his followers.
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The candle is lit during solemn liturgical celebrations
The Easter candle, also known as the Paschal candle, is a large candle made of beeswax and adorned with Christian symbols. It is used in liturgies in Western Christianity, including the Roman Catholic Church, Lutheran Churches, Anglican Communion, and Methodist Churches.
The Easter candle is lit during solemn liturgical celebrations, specifically during the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night. This marks one of the most solemn moments of the service, symbolising the resurrection and light of Christ dispelling the darkness of the world. The candle is carried in procession into the darkened church, and the assembly chants "The light of Christ" and responds with "Thanks be to God".
The Easter candle is lit daily during Mass throughout the Easter season, from Easter until Pentecost Sunday. It is placed in a prominent position near the altar or pulpit and serves as a reminder of Christ's resurrection. The candle is also lit during special liturgical celebrations such as baptisms and funerals throughout the year.
In addition to its practical use as a light source, the Easter candle holds significant symbolic value. The candle itself represents the purity of Christ, while the wick symbolises His humanity and the flame His Divine Nature. The symbols adorned on the candle, such as the cross, Alpha and Omega, and the numbers of the current year, further reinforce its sacred meaning within the Christian faith.
The lighting of the Easter candle is a solemn rite that has been practised since the early days of Christianity. It is a visual representation of Christ as the Light of the World, illuminating the darkness and guiding believers towards salvation.
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It is placed near the coffin during funeral rites
The Easter candle, also known as the Paschal candle, is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is blessed and lit every year at Easter during the Easter Vigil, which is considered one of the most solemn moments of the service. The candle is placed near the altar and is lit during all liturgical services during the Easter season until Pentecost Sunday.
After the Easter season, the candle is moved to a place of honour in the baptistry, where it is used to light the candles of the newly baptised. It is also lit 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 passover from death to life, indicating that the death of a Christian is their own Passover.
The candle represents the light of Christ, especially Christ risen from the dead, and is meant to be a reminder of Christ's resurrection. The worshipping assembly processes into the church led by the Paschal candle, which 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 Paschal candle is lit during funerals to provide comfort and to symbolise the presence of the glorified risen Christ, dispelling the darkness of death with his light. It serves as a reminder of the promise of eternal life through Christ's resurrection and provides a sense of hope and solace during the mourning process.
The placement of the Paschal candle near the coffin during funeral rites is a long-standing tradition in the Catholic Church, with specific norms and guidelines ensuring its proper use and positioning.
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The candle is kept near the baptismal font after Easter
The Easter candle, also known as the Paschal candle, is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is blessed and lit every year at Easter during the Easter Vigil, which is considered one of the most solemn moments of the service. The candle is then kept in a prominent place in the church sanctuary and lit during Mass and other liturgical celebrations until Pentecost Sunday.
After the Easter season, the candle is no longer lit and is kept with honour near the baptismal font. This placement allows for the candle to be easily lit during baptism ceremonies, symbolising the Holy Spirit and fire that John the Baptist promised to those baptised in Christ. The candles of the newly baptised are lit from the Easter candle, passing on the light of Christ.
The Easter candle is also used in funeral services, where it is placed near the coffin to indicate that the death of a Christian is their own Passover. In some traditions, the candle is extinguished on Ascension Day, symbolising the absence of the Lord.
The Easter candle is an enduring symbol in Christianity, representing the light of Christ and his resurrection. Its size and central placement in the church serve as a reminder of Christ's presence and victory over sin and death. The candle is made of beeswax, symbolising the pure flesh of Christ, received from the Virgin Mary, and its wick represents Christ's humanity while the flame symbolises his divine nature.
The use of the Easter candle has evolved over the centuries. In the past, it was broken up after the Easter Vigil and given to the faithful. Later, it was kept near the Gospel until the Feast of the Ascension. Today, it is a beloved tradition in many Christian churches, including Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, and Presbyterian congregations.
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Frequently asked questions
The Easter candle, also known as the Paschal candle, is lit during the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night. The candle is lit from a "new" fire that is kindled in a metal bowl called a brazier.
The Easter Vigil is a liturgy that takes place on the night of Holy Saturday. The entire church is darkened by extinguishing all candles and lamps to symbolise the darkness of a world without Christ. The Easter Vigil itself begins with the lighting of a fire and the blessing of the Paschal candle.
After the Easter Vigil, the Paschal candle is carried in procession into the church, dispelling the darkness. The candle is then placed on a special stand near the altar and remains in the sanctuary on its stand during the full 50 days of the Easter season. It is lit for liturgical services during that time, including all baptisms throughout the year.
After the Easter season, the Paschal candle is moved from the sanctuary to the baptismal font and is only lit during baptisms and funerals.
