Brooke Martin
The Paschal candle, also known as the Easter candle or the Christ candle, is a powerful Christian symbol of Christ's resurrection and light of the world. It is lit during Eastertide and then throughout the year on occasions such as baptisms, funerals, and some other special occasions. The candle is lit during all baptisms throughout the year, passing the light of Christ to each person being baptised. The candle is also placed near the coffin during funeral services to indicate that the death of a Christian is their own Passover. In the Ordinary form of the Roman Rite, the Paschal candle is lit and placed near the coffin during the Mass of the repose of the soul or the Requiem.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to light the Paschal candle | At least during solemn liturgical celebrations during the Easter season or Easter Vigil, and at each celebration of Baptism and Funeral Liturgy. |
| When to extinguish the Paschal candle | After the Easter season or after Pentecost Sunday. |
| Where to place the candle | Near the altar during Easter, and next to the font during the rest of the year. |
| Other uses | The Paschal candle may be lit during meetings and rehearsals in the sanctuary during the Easter season. It is also placed near the coffin during funeral services. |
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What You'll Learn
During Easter Vigil
The Paschal candle, also known as the "Easter candle" or "Christ candle", is a powerful Christian symbol of Christ's resurrection and light of the world. It is lit during the Easter Vigil, which takes place on the night of Holy Saturday. This is one of the most solemn moments of the service.
The Easter Vigil liturgies of the Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, and Presbyterian Churches are nearly identical. The entire church is darkened on Maundy Thursday, symbolising the darkness of a world without Christ. On Holy Saturday, a fire is lit and blessed, and the Paschal candle is lit from this "new fire". The candle is carried in procession into the darkened church by a deacon. The minister cuts a cross in the wax with a stylus and traces symbols on the candle, reciting words such as: "Christ, yesterday and today, the Beginning and the End, the Alpha and the Omega. All time belongs to him and all the ages; to him be glory and power through every age forever."
The Paschal candle is lit during the Easter Vigil service to symbolise the risen Christ and to dispel the darkness of the church, representing Christ as the Light of the World. This solemn rite is performed with great reverence during the Easter Vigil, with the candle being carried in procession and its light spreading throughout the church. The candle is also lit to symbolise the Holy Spirit and the fire that John the Baptist promised to those who were baptised in Christ.
After the Easter Vigil, the Paschal candle remains in the sanctuary near the altar during the full 50 days of the Easter season. It is lit for liturgical services during this time, including each liturgy during the Festival of Pentecost and at each celebration of Baptism and Funeral Liturgy. The candle is placed near the coffin during funeral services to indicate that the death of a Christian is their own Passover.
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At baptisms
The Paschal Candle is lit at baptisms as a symbol of Christ's presence and light, representing the light of Christ that has come into the world and the light of faith that has been entrusted to the newly baptised.
During the baptismal ceremony, the Paschal Candle is often lit from the Easter fire or a special candle, symbolising the light of Christ overcoming the darkness of sin and death. This light is then shared with the catechumens or candidates for baptism, who may hold their own candles lit from the Paschal Candle.
In some traditions, the Paschal Candle is used to trace the sign of the cross on the forehead of each person being baptised, signifying that they have been sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and marked as a Christian. This ritual is often accompanied by the words, "Receive the light of Christ," emphasising the connection between the Paschal Candle and the sacrament of baptism.
The presence of the Paschal Candle at baptisms serves as a reminder that through baptism, individuals are incorporated into the mystery of Christ's death and resurrection, becoming children of light and members of the body of Christ, which is the Church. It symbolises the spiritual illumination and transformation that baptism brings.
Additionally, the Paschal Candle is often lit during the celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism throughout the Easter season, emphasising the connection between baptism and the paschal mystery of Christ's passion, death, and resurrection. This practice underscores the significance of the Easter season as a particularly appropriate time for the celebration of this sacrament.
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At funerals
The Paschal Candle is lit at funerals as a symbol of light and hope in the resurrection of Christ. It serves as a reminder of the light of Christ that overcomes the darkness of death and the promise of eternal life.
During the funeral liturgy, the Paschal Candle is typically placed near the coffin or urn containing the deceased's remains. It may be lit at the beginning of the service and remains lit throughout, symbolising the presence of Christ in the midst of mourning and grief. The candle's light represents the hope that the deceased person has passed from death into new life in Christ.
In some traditions, the Paschal Candle is used specifically during the Easter season and on other solemn occasions, such as funerals. It is often placed near the coffin during the funeral Mass, serving as a visual reminder of the resurrection and the promise of eternal life. The candle may be lit at the beginning of the Mass and remains lit throughout the service.
In the Catholic tradition, the Paschal Candle is lit at the Easter Vigil and remains lit during all liturgical celebrations throughout the Easter season, including funerals. It symbolises the light of Christ, who has conquered death and offers hope and comfort to those grieving. The candle's presence at funerals serves as a powerful reminder of the Christian belief in the resurrection and the promise of eternal life.
The lighting of the Paschal Candle at funerals is a significant and meaningful tradition in many Christian denominations. It provides comfort and hope to those mourning the loss of a loved one, reminding them of the light of Christ that shines even in the darkest times and the promise of eternal life through the resurrection.
In addition to its presence at funerals, the Paschal Candle also plays a role in other liturgical celebrations throughout the year, such as baptisms and confirmations, reminding the faithful of their baptismal vows and the promise of new life in Christ. Its light symbolises the light of faith that guides and strengthens believers throughout their lives, even in the face of death. With its rich symbolism and profound meaning, the lighting of the Paschal Candle at funerals offers solace and hope, illuminating the path from grief to eternal life.
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At solemn liturgical celebrations during the Easter season
The Paschal candle, also known as the "Easter candle" or "Christ candle", is a powerful Christian symbol of Christ's resurrection and light of the world. It is lit during solemn liturgical celebrations during the Easter season.
The candle is lit during the Easter Vigil, which takes place on the night of Holy Saturday, and is one of the most solemn moments of the service. The Easter Vigil liturgies of the Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, and Presbyterian Churches are nearly identical. The lighting of the candle represents the dispelling of darkness and Christ as the Light of the World. This rite is performed with even greater reverence during the Easter Vigil.
The Paschal candle is also lit during each liturgy throughout the 50 days of Easter, from Easter Sunday to the Festival of Pentecost. During this time, it is placed near the altar and should be lit during solemn liturgical celebrations. Ideally, it would be lit 24/7 during this period, but this is often considered impractical.
The candle may also be lit during meetings and rehearsals in the sanctuary during the Easter season. It is important to note that the Paschal candle should not be lit outside of these specified times during the Easter season, including festivals and other special services.
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At the Mass of the repose of the soul or the Requiem
The Paschal Candle is lit at every Mass as a sign of Christ's presence and as a symbol of the light of Christ overcoming the darkness of evil. It is also lit during the sacraments of baptism and confirmation, as well as during
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Frequently asked questions
The Paschal candle should be lit for Easter Vigil, each liturgy during the 50 days of Easter (through the Festival of Pentecost) and at each celebration of Baptism and Funeral Liturgy.
On Holy Saturday night, a fire is kindled in a metal bowl, called a brazier. From the brazier comes a “new” and blessed fire that lights the Paschal candle.
The Paschal candle should be extinguished after Pentecost Sunday or, in some traditions, Ascension Day.
