Jessie Taylor
In Christianity, votive candles are commonplace in many churches and are often located near the altar or a statue or image of a saint. They are used to symbolize prayer intentions and can be lit by parishioners during prayer or devotion. The lighting of candles is a significant part of Catholic celebrations and rituals, and they are often placed near the Tabernacle to indicate the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. In Lutheran churches, votive candles may be lit at home or in church, usually on the altar rails or in front of the altar cross. Maintaining votive candles and their displays is important, and churches often provide guidelines for their safe use and care.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Votive candles are usually placed in a dedicated space, such as a votive candle station, stand, or holder, often near a Marian altar, the Tabernacle, or a statue/image of a saint. |
| Purpose | They symbolize prayer intentions and represent the light of Christ, serving as a manifestation of God. |
| Maintenance | It is important to maintain and care for votive candles to prevent damage. This includes burning them on a flat, level surface, keeping them away from direct sunlight, and using proper lighting techniques and tools. |
| Accessories | Votive candles may be accompanied by holders, extinguishers, drip mats, collection boxes, and furniture for storage. |
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What You'll Learn
Votive candles are often placed near the altar
In Christianity, votive candles are a common sight in many churches, as well as home altars. They are often placed near the altar, with a dedicated space for parishioners to light a candle in prayer. This placement is symbolic, as the lighting of candles represents a prayer intention, and votive candles signify that a prayer is being said for oneself or someone else.
In the Roman Catholic Church, for example, candles are often placed before a statue of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or another saint, and this is usually done in front of a bye-altar. The candle is lit as an act of devotion and to seek help from the saint before whose image the candle is lit. In Catholic liturgy, a priest may present a candle lit from the Paschal candle, symbolising the Paschal mystery, and this candle is then given to the newly baptised.
Lutheran churches also use votive candles, which are lit at the altar rails or in front of the altar cross. They are also commonly used during the liturgy of Good Friday. In the United Methodist Church, votive candles are lit during Allhallowtide, especially on All Saints' Day, with a prayer said for each deceased member of the congregation that year.
The placement of votive candles near the altar, then, is a common practice in Christian churches, and their proximity to the altar underscores their symbolic role in prayer and devotion.
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They can be found in front of statues or sacred images
In Christianity, votive candles are commonplace in many churches, as well as home altars. They are often lit during prayer and symbolize the "prayers the worshipper is offering for himself or herself, or for other people". In the Eastern Orthodox Church, candles are lit before icons, usually of Jesus Christ or the Theotokos. These candles are usually placed in round containers with sockets or in containers filled with sand. Orthodox churches also have a separate place to put candles lit for the departed.
Lutheran, Anglican, and Roman Catholic churches do not make this distinction. In the Roman Catholic Church, candles are often placed before a statue of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or another saint. In older or traditional churches, this will often be before a bye-altar. A votive candle signifies that the lighting is done in fulfillment of a vow (in Latin, "votum"). However, the intention is usually to give honor and seek help from the saint before whose image the candle is lit.
In the United Methodist Church, those that worship in the High Church tradition make use of votive candles. During the liturgical celebration of Allhallowtide, especially on All Saints' Day, votive candles are lit, and a prayer is said for each person in the congregation who has died that year. In the Reformed tradition, votive candles are lit during Totensonntag, a holy day commemorating the faithful departed.
In early Christian times, votive candles were lit before a statue or sacred image of the Lord or a saint. The light signifies a prayer offered in faith, coming into the light of God. This practice is also mentioned in John's Gospel, which connects Christ and true life with the imagery of light: "The real light that gives light to every man was coming into the world".
In addition to the candles themselves, churches often provide votive holders, extinguishers, drip mats, and other supplies to help maintain the candles and keep the space presentable.
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Churches often have a dedicated votive candle stand
In Catholic churches, for example, votive candles are commonly lit before a statue of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or another saint. This practice does not honour the statue itself but rather whom the statue represents. The candlelight signifies the prayer offered in faith, coming into the light of God, and seeking help from the saint before whom the candle is lit.
Lutheran churches also utilize votive candles, which are often lit at the altar rails or in front of the altar cross. Additionally, they may be lit during the liturgy of Good Friday. Similarly, Anglican churches, particularly those with High Church or Anglo-Catholic traditions, incorporate votive candles for praying for the dead and requesting saintly intercession.
The United Methodist Church, following the High Church tradition, employs votive candles during liturgical celebrations like All Saints' Day. Meanwhile, Reformed tradition churches, including Presbyterian and Congregationalist denominations, light votive candles during Totensonntag, a day commemorating the departed.
Votive candle stands in churches can vary in form, from tabletop stands to standalone structures, and they are typically accompanied by collection boxes. These boxes allow parishioners to contribute towards the cost of the candles and their maintenance. The stands require careful maintenance to address issues like excess wax and ensure a presentable space for prayer and devotion.
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Votive candles are usually placed in holders or containers
In Christianity, votive candles are commonplace in many churches, as well as home altars. They are often placed in holders, stands, or containers, and can be lit by worshippers as part of their prayers. The candle symbolises the prayer being said for oneself or someone else, which is why they are also known as "prayer candles".
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, candles are lit before icons, usually of Jesus Christ or the Theotokos. These churches usually use long, thin candles, placed in round containers with sockets or filled with sand. Orthodox churches also have a separate place for candles lit for the departed. Lutheran, Anglican, and Roman Catholic churches do not make this distinction.
In the Roman Catholic Church, candles are often placed before a statue of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or another saint. Older or traditional churches may place these candles before a bye-altar. In Catholic liturgy for the Sacrament of Baptism, the priest presents a candle lit from the Paschal candle, symbolising the Paschal mystery.
Lutheran churches may also use votive candles, which may be lit at home or in church. They are usually lit on the altar rails or in front of the altar cross. Nordic Lutheran churches in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland commonly have votive candle holders, often a round metal frame with several sockets surrounding a central, larger candle.
In the United Methodist Church, those that worship in the High Church tradition use votive candles, especially during Allhallowtide, and on All Saints' Day. In the Reformed tradition, votive candles are lit during Totensonntag, a holy day commemorating the departed.
Votive stands can be tabletop stands or standalone, and come in various styles and sizes. They are often placed near a Marian altar, or a statue or image of a saint. A donation box is usually placed near votive candles in churches to help cover the cost of the candles and their maintenance.
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They are lit during liturgy and funeral processions
In Christianity, votive candles are commonplace in many churches, as well as home altars. They are often lit during liturgy and funeral processions, and they symbolize the "prayers the worshipper is offering for himself or herself, or for other people".
In the United Methodist Church, votive candles are used in churches that worship in the High Church tradition. During the liturgical celebration of Allhallowtide, especially on All Saints' Day (All Hallows' Day), votive candles are lit and a prayer is said for each person in the congregation who has died that year.
Lutheran churches also use votive candles, which may be lit at home or in church. They are usually lit on the altar rails or in front of the altar cross. They are also often lit during the liturgy of Good Friday. Within the Nordic Lutheran churches of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland, votive candles are commonplace.
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, candles are lit before icons, usually of Jesus Christ. Orthodox churches will usually have a separate place to put candles lit for the departed. In the Roman Catholic Church, candles are placed before a statue of Jesus, of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or of some other saint.
In Catholic liturgy for the Sacrament of Baptism, the priest presents a candle lit from the Paschal candle, symbolizing the Paschal mystery. The light is a symbol of Christ Himself.
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Frequently asked questions
Votive candles are usually located near the altar or Tabernacle in a church.
Votive candles are lit as a symbol of prayer and devotion to God and saints.
Votive candles are typically made from paraffin, soy wax, or beeswax.
Yes, votive candles can vary in size, with some being taller and wider than others. They can also be found in different styles.
Yes, votive candles can also be lit at home as part of personal or family devotions.
