Jessie Taylor
The Easter candle, also known as the Paschal candle, is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is lit during solemn liturgical celebrations during the Easter season and is placed near the altar. The candle is lit during all baptisms throughout the year, and is also used at funeral services. The Easter candle is removed from the altar at the conclusion of the Easter season and is typically only brought out during baptisms and funerals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Easter candle, Paschal candle, Christ candle |
| Symbolises | Jesus' presence for the 40 days after his resurrection, the presence of the risen Christ, the light of Christ |
| Placement | Next to the pulpit or ambo, near the altar, in the baptistery |
| Lit | During public Mass, solemn liturgical celebrations, baptisms, funerals |
| Extinguished | After the final Mass on Pentecost Sunday, on Ascension Day |
| Composition | Beeswax |
| Appearance | Large, displays a cross, Greek letters alpha and omega, numerals of the current year, five grains of incense |
| Use | Liturgical services, blessing of the font, Easter Vigil, Easter Fire |
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What You'll Learn
The Easter candle is removed at the conclusion of the Easter season
The Easter candle, also known as the Paschal candle, is a significant symbol in Western Christianity, including the Roman Catholic Church, Lutheran Churches, the Anglican Communion, and Methodist Churches. It is a large candle, often the largest in the worship space, and is lit during the Easter Vigil service on Holy Saturday night. The lighting of the candle represents Christ, dispelling the darkness and symbolising the "Light of the World".
The Easter candle is placed on a special stand near the altar and is adorned with several symbolic decorations. These include the cross, the Greek letters alpha and omega, the current year, and five grains of incense encased in red or golden wax "nails". The incense represents the aromatic spices used to prepare Christ's body for burial, and the "'nails'" signify the wounds on Christ's hands, feet, and side.
The candle remains in the sanctuary near the altar during the Easter season, also known as Eastertide, and is lit during solemn liturgical celebrations. In some traditions, the candle is lit until Ascension Day, 40 days after Easter, and in others, it remains lit until Pentecost Sunday, which marks the conclusion of the Easter season.
After the Easter season, the Easter candle is removed from the altar and kept in the baptistery or baptistry chapel. It is lit during baptisms throughout the year, symbolising the Holy Spirit and fire, and is also used during funerals, placed near the casket as a reminder of the sacrament of baptism and the resurrection of the dead.
Therefore, the Easter candle is removed from the altar at the conclusion of the Easter season, and while it is no longer lit regularly, it continues to be used for special occasions such as baptisms and funerals.
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It is kept in the baptistery after the Easter season
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 service on Holy Saturday night. The candle is placed on a special stand near the altar and remains in the sanctuary during the full 50 days of the Easter season. It is lit during liturgical services during this time.
The Easter candle is a symbol of Christ and the light of the world. It is adorned with several symbols, including a cross, the Greek letters alpha and omega, the numerals of the current year, and five grains of incense encased in red or golden wax "nails". The incense symbolises the aromatic spices used to prepare Christ's body for burial, and the nails represent the five holy wounds on Christ's hands, feet, and side.
After the Easter season concludes, the candle is removed from the sanctuary and kept in the baptistery. It is placed on a smaller stand, which may be situated inside a chapel either inside or outside the church. The candle is lit during baptisms throughout the year, and the candles of those being baptised are lit from it. This symbolises the Holy Spirit and the fire that John the Baptist promised to those who were baptised in Christ. The Easter candle may also be used at funeral services, where it is placed near the casket to indicate the sacrament of baptism and the resurrection of the dead.
The use of the Easter candle after the Easter season has evolved over time. In the 10th century, it was kept near the Gospel until the Feast of the Ascension, 40 days after Easter. In the 12th century, it became common to inscribe the candle with the current year. By the 16th century, some candles weighed up to 300 pounds and were melted into tapers for use at funerals. Today, the candle continues to be a significant part of Christian liturgies, especially during the Easter season and at baptisms and funerals throughout the year.
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The candle is lit during baptisms and funerals
The Easter candle, also known as the Paschal candle, is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is lit during solemn liturgical celebrations during the Easter season and is placed near the pulpit or ambo. While the candle is typically removed from the altar at the conclusion of the Easter season, it is still used during baptisms and funerals throughout the year.
The Paschal candle is lit during baptisms to signify the Holy Spirit and the fire that John the Baptist promised to those who were baptised in Christ. The candle is used to light the candles of those being baptised, passing on the light of Christ. In some traditions, the Paschal candle is placed next to the baptismal font after Pentecost.
During funeral services, the Paschal candle serves as a reminder of the sacrament of baptism, which represents a person's death and resurrection in Christ. It symbolises the certainty of resurrection and eternal life with Christ. The candle is typically placed near the coffin during funeral masses or vigils, indicating that a Christian's death is their own Passover.
The use of the Paschal candle during baptisms and funerals has been a longstanding tradition in Western Christianity. It is considered one of the most sacred elements in Christianity, symbolising Christ's Resurrection and Light of the World. The candle is made of beeswax, representing the pure flesh of Christ received from the Virgin Mary.
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It is extinguished after the Gospel on Ascension Day
The Easter or Paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is located next to the pulpit or ambo and lit during each public Mass offered.
The candle is blessed and lit every year at Easter, on Holy Saturday night. It is used throughout the Easter season and then throughout the year on occasions such as baptisms, funerals, and some other special occasions. The 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 precise use of the Paschal candle has varied over the centuries. In the past, it was removed from the altar on the feast of the Ascension, 40 days after Easter. However, in the liturgical reforms of the 20th century, it was decided that the candle should stay lit until Pentecost Sunday, to highlight the paschal nature of Pentecost and to show that Pentecost is the conclusion of the Easter season.
Therefore, the Easter candle is now extinguished after the Gospel on Ascension Day, which occurs 40 days after Easter. This former way of removing the Easter candle represented Jesus' ascension into Heaven. After it is extinguished, the candle is kept in the baptistery and lit for the celebration of baptism.
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The candle symbolises the presence of Christ
The Easter or Paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is also referred to as the "Christ candle". The candle symbolises the presence of Christ and is lit during solemn liturgical celebrations during the Easter season. It is located next to the pulpit or ambo and lit during each public Mass offered. The candle is removed at the conclusion of the Easter season, typically on Pentecost Sunday, and is only brought out during baptisms and funerals.
The Paschal candle is made from beeswax, which symbolises the pure flesh of Christ, received from his mother, the Virgin Mary. The candle is decorated with several common symbols, including:
- A cross, which is the most prominent symbol
- The Greek letters alpha and omega, symbolising that God is the beginning and the end
- The numerals of the current year between the arms of the cross
- Five grains of incense, encased in red or golden wax "nails", representing the Five Holy Wounds inflicted on Christ
The lighting of the Paschal candle during the Easter season is a reminder of Christ's presence and a symbol of his glory, power and purity. It is also designed to be a visible reminder of the Easter season, extending beyond the feast of Ascension until Pentecost. The 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 use of candles during special times of worship and prayer is common in Christianity, as it helps to focus thoughts and prayers on Jesus. Christians believe that lighting candles honours God and reflects on His majesty, goodness, and faithfulness. Candles are also seen as a symbol of life, God, the Spirit, Christ, repentance, and prayer.
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Frequently asked questions
The Easter candle, also known as the Paschal candle, is removed from the altar at the conclusion of the Easter season.
The Easter candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is lit during solemn liturgical celebrations during the Easter season.
The Easter candle symbolises the presence of the risen Christ. It also represents Christ himself, referred to as the Light of the World.
During the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night, a fire is kindled in a metal bowl and used to light the Easter candle, which is then carried in procession into the church.
After the Easter season, the Easter candle is kept in the baptistery and lit during baptisms and funerals.
