Jessie Taylor
The Paschal candle, also known as the Easter candle, is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is blessed and lit every year at Easter and remains in the sanctuary near the altar during the 50 days of Easter. It is lit during liturgical services during this time. After Eastertide, the candle is kept in the baptistry and lit during baptisms and funeral liturgies. In some traditions, the candle is extinguished after the Gospel on Ascension Day and then removed from the altar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Removal of the Paschal candle | The candle is removed from the altar after the Easter season and kept in the baptistry |
| When is it removed? | On Ascension Day, after the Gospel |
| Where is it kept? | In the baptistry, so that candles for baptisms can be lit from it |
| When is it lit? | During baptisms, funerals, and other special occasions |
| What does it symbolise? | The presence of the risen Christ, the Holy Spirit, and fire |
| What is its origin? | The earliest days of Christianity, inspired by Jewish custom |
| What is its traditional location? | Near the altar during Easter, and next to the font during the rest of the year |
| What is its significance? | It is one of the most sacred elements in Christianity, symbolising purity and divinity |
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What You'll Learn
The Paschal candle is removed from the altar after the Gospel on Ascension Day
The Paschal candle is a sacred element in Western Christianity, used in liturgies in churches such as the Roman Catholic Church, Lutheran Churches, Anglican Communion, and Methodist Churches. It is often referred to as the "Easter candle" or the "Christ candle" and is the largest candle in the worship space. The candle is blessed and lit every year during the Easter Vigil service on Holy Saturday night, symbolising the light of Christ in the world.
The Paschal candle is placed near the altar during the 50 days of Easter, from Holy Saturday until Ascension Day. It is lit during liturgical services and for each celebration of Baptism and Funeral Liturgy during this period. The candle is also lit during high Mass and solemn Vespers on Sundays. However, it should not be lit outside of these specified times, including during festivals and other special services.
The specific timing of removing the Paschal candle from the altar after the Gospel on Ascension Day holds symbolic value. By being extinguished just after the Gospel, the candle's presence reinforces the idea that Christ is the light of the world. This ritual underscores the belief in the glorified risen Christ, with the candle's removal serving as a reminder of Christ's ascension and the subsequent absence of his physical presence.
The removal of the Paschal candle from the altar signals a transition in the liturgical calendar. After Ascension Day, the focus shifts from the Easter celebration to the anticipation of Pentecost. The candle's removal encourages reflection on the temporary nature of Christ's earthly presence and the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit.
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It is placed in the baptistry after Eastertide
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 placed on a special stand near the altar during Eastertide. The candle is lit during this time for liturgical services and symbolises the presence of the risen Christ.
After Eastertide, the candle is moved to the baptistry, where it is kept with honour. The baptistry is a part of a church or a separate building used for baptisms. It is usually large enough to accommodate a good number of people. The candle is placed in the baptistry so that it can be lit during baptism ceremonies, and the candles of the newly baptised can be lit from it.
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's wick signifies Christ's humanity, and the flame His Divine Nature. The beeswax from which the candle is made represents the purity of Christ.
The placement of the Paschal candle in the baptistry after Eastertide ensures that it remains accessible and visible for its symbolic and liturgical functions throughout the year. The candle is used on special occasions such as funerals and the ordination of priests, where it is lit to carry the fire to light another liturgical candle.
The tradition of the Paschal candle dates back to the earliest days of Christianity, inspired by the Jewish custom of lighting a lamp at the conclusion of the Sabbath. Over the centuries, the use of the candle has evolved, but it remains a sacred and enduring element in Christian liturgies, symbolising the light of Christ in the world.
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The candle is lit during baptisms to signify the Holy Spirit
The Paschal candle, also known as the Easter candle or the Christ candle, is a significant element in Western Christianity. It is a large candle used in liturgies and is often the biggest candle in the worship space. The candle is blessed and lit annually during the Easter Vigil service on Holy Saturday, symbolising the light of Christ coming into the world. The Paschal candle is placed near the altar during the Easter season and is lit during solemn liturgical celebrations.
After the Easter season, the candle is moved to the baptistry or kept near the baptismal font. The Paschal candle is lit during baptisms, symbolising the Holy Spirit and the fire that John the Baptist promised to those who were baptised in Christ. The candles of the newly baptised are lit from the Paschal candle, representing the light of Christ being passed on to those receiving the sacrament.
The Paschal candle is adorned with Christian symbols, such as the cross, the Greek letters alpha and omega, and the numerals of the current year. It is traditionally made of beeswax, symbolising the pure flesh of Christ, and its wick represents Christ's humanity while the flame symbolises His Divine Nature. The candle's size and presence in the worship space evoke the idea that Christ is the light of the world.
The use of the Paschal candle has evolved over the centuries. Initially, it was broken up after the Easter Vigil and distributed among the faithful. Later, it was kept near the Gospel until the Feast of Ascension. Today, the candle is a prominent feature during the Easter season and is used throughout the year for special occasions like baptisms, funerals, and the ordination of priests.
The lighting of the Paschal candle during baptisms is a powerful symbol of the Holy Spirit's presence and the light of Christ being imparted to those being baptised. It serves as a reminder of the promise of John the Baptist and the transformative nature of the sacrament.
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It is placed near the coffin during funeral liturgies
The Paschal candle, also known as the Easter 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 other special occasions.
The candle is placed on a special stand near the altar during the Easter season. It is lit for liturgical services during that time and remains in the sanctuary close to the altar. After Eastertide, the candle should be kept in the baptistry, so that during baptisms, the candles of the newly baptised can be lit from it.
The Paschal candle is lit during all liturgical services during the Easter season and for all baptisms and funerals during the year. During funeral liturgies, the Paschal candle is placed near the coffin to indicate that the death of a Christian is their own Passover. The candle is not lit nor placed in the sanctuary outside the Easter season.
The General Introduction for the Order of Christian Funerals states that the Easter candle reminds the faithful of Christ's presence among them, of his victory over sin and death, and of their share in that victory by virtue of their initiation. It recalls the Easter Vigil, the night when the Church awaits the Lord's resurrection and when new light for the living and the dead is kindled.
The Paschal candle is a symbol of 'the light of Christ, rising in glory', scattering 'the darkness of our hearts and minds'. It represents the risen Christ, symbolising light (life) dispelling darkness (death).
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The candle is blessed and lit every year at Easter Vigil
The Paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is sometimes referred to as the "'Easter candle" or the "Christ candle". The candle, made of beeswax, represents Christ, the Light of the World. The pure beeswax symbolises the sinless Christ formed in the womb of the Virgin Mary. The wick signifies His humanity, and the flame, His Divine Nature.
A new Paschal candle is blessed and lit every year at Easter Vigil, which is held on Holy Saturday night. This is one of the most solemn moments of the service. The candle is carried in a procession into the darkened church. A new fire, symbolising the Resurrection and our eternal life in Christ, is kindled and used to light the candle. The candle is then placed on a special stand near the altar.
The Paschal candle is inscribed with several symbols. The most prominent is the cross, which identifies it as the Paschal candle. The Greek letters alpha and omega are also inscribed, symbolising that God is the beginning and the end. The current year is inscribed between the arms of the cross, along with five grains of incense, encased in red or golden wax "nails". These represent the five wounds of Christ.
The candle is lit for the entire Easter season, which lasts for 50 days. During this time, it is used to bless other candles and objects. It is also transferred from person to person, symbolising the movement of Christ's love and grace throughout the community.
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Frequently asked questions
The Paschal candle is removed from the altar on Ascension Day, which is 40 days after Easter.
After the Easter season, the Paschal candle should be kept in the baptistry.
The Paschal candle is kept in the baptistry so that during baptisms, the candles of the newly baptised can be lit from it.
The Paschal candle is lit during the 50 days of Easter, from Holy Saturday until Ascension Day, and at each celebration of baptism and funeral liturgy.
