Brooke Martin
The Paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. The origin of the candle is uncertain, but it likely originated in the earliest days of Christianity, deriving from the Lucernarium—an evening office with which early Christians began the vigil for every Sunday, and especially Easter. The Lucernarium rite was probably inspired by the Jewish custom of lighting a lamp at the conclusion of the Sabbath. The candle is blessed and lit every year at Easter and is used throughout the Easter season and then throughout the year on occasions such as baptisms, funerals, and other special occasions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | Likely derived from the Lucernarium, an evening office with which early Christians began the vigil for Easter Sunday. |
| Use | Symbolises Christ, the Light of the World. |
| Used in liturgies in Western Christianity. | |
| Lit during Easter and throughout the year on occasions such as baptisms, funerals, and other special occasions. | |
| Composition | Made of beeswax to represent the purity of Christ. |
| The wick signifies Christ's humanity, and the flame, His Divine Nature. | |
| Appearance | Displays several common symbols: a cross, the Greek letters alpha and omega, the numerals of the current year, and five grains of incense. |
| Size | Varies depending on location, typically between 19 to 50 inches tall and 3 to 5 inches in diameter. |
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What You'll Learn
The Paschal candle's origin story and meaning
The Paschal candle, also known as the ""Easter candle" or the "Christ candle", is one of the most sacred and enduring elements in Western Christianity. The origin of the candle is uncertain, but it likely derived from the Lucernarium, an evening office with which early Christians began the vigil for every Sunday, and especially that of Easter. This rite was probably inspired by the Jewish custom of lighting a lamp at the conclusion of the Sabbath.
The word "Paschal" comes from the Latin word "Pascha", derived from the Hebrew word "Pesach", meaning Passover, and relates to the Paschal mystery of salvation. The candle itself is made of beeswax, which represents the purity and sinless nature of Christ, formed in the womb of His mother. The wick of the candle signifies Christ's humanity, and the flame His divine nature, both soul and body.
The Paschal candle is a large candle, often reaching a significant size, and is the largest candle in the worship space. It is typically adorned with several common symbols: a cross, the most prominent symbol; the Greek letters alpha and omega, which symbolise that God is the beginning and the end; the numerals of the current year between the arms of the cross; and five grains of incense, encased in red or golden wax "nails", representing the five holy wounds of Christ.
The candle is blessed and lit every year at Easter and is used throughout the Easter season. It is the first candle to be lit with a flame from the sacred fire, representing the light of Christ coming into the world. The candle 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 then used throughout the year on special occasions such as baptisms, funerals, and the ordination of priests.
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The candle's design and symbolism
The Paschal candle, also known as the ""Easter candle" or the "Christ candle", is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. The origin of the candle is uncertain, but it is believed to have derived from the Lucernarium, an evening office with which early Christians began the vigil for Easter Sunday. The rite is likely inspired by the Jewish custom of lighting a lamp at the conclusion of the Sabbath.
The Paschal candle is made of beeswax, which represents the purity and sinless nature of Christ, formed in the womb of his mother. The candle is usually fixed in a large candlestick and adorned with several symbols. The most prominent symbol is the cross, which is traced on the wax with a stylus by the minister. The Greek letters alpha and omega are also included, symbolising that God is the beginning and the end, as mentioned in the Book of Revelation. The current year is inscribed between the arms of the cross, and five grains of incense are embedded in the candle, usually encased in red or golden wax "nails". These "nails" represent the Five Holy Wounds of Christ, recalling the aromatic spices used to prepare his body for the tomb.
The wick of the candle symbolises Christ's humanity, while the flame represents his divine nature, both soul and body. The candle itself represents Christ, the Light of the World, and its size can vary, with some medieval Paschal candles reaching stupendous sizes of up to 36 feet (11 metres) tall. In modern times, the candle's diameter ranges from 4 to 5 inches (10 to 11 centimetres), and its height ranges from 36 to 50 inches (91 to 130 centimetres), depending on the region.
The lighting of the candle symbolises the light of Christ coming into the world, and it is first lit with a sacred fire during the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night. The candle is then lit during all baptisms and funeral services throughout the year, symbolising baptism as a death and resurrection in Christ. It is also used during devotional practices, such as when the faithful renew their baptismal promises. The Paschal candle is a powerful symbol in Christianity, and its design and rituals are steeped in religious significance.
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The candle's use in liturgies
The use of the Paschal candle has varied over the centuries. Initially, it was broken up after the Easter Vigil and its fragments were given to the faithful. From the 10th century onwards, it was kept in a place of honour near the Gospel until the Feast of the Ascension, 40 days after Easter. From the 12th century onwards, it became common to inscribe the candle with the current year.
The Paschal candle is used in liturgies in Western Christianity, including the Roman Catholic Church, Lutheran Churches, Anglican Communion, and Methodist Churches. A new Paschal candle is blessed and lit every year at Easter. It is used throughout the Easter season and then throughout the year on occasions such as baptisms, funerals, and some other special occasions. During baptisms, the candle is placed near the baptismal font, symbolising the passing of the light of Christ to each person being baptised. At funeral services, the candle is placed next to the casket, symbolising the resurrection of the dead and life with Christ in the world to come.
The Paschal candle is also used during the ordination of priests, the taking of vows, and the Consecration of virgins. In these instances, the fire from the Paschal candle is carried with a wick to light another liturgical candle.
The Paschal candle is the largest candle in the worship space and often features several common 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 candle is made predominantly from beeswax, with the pure beeswax symbolising the pure flesh that Christ received from the Virgin Mary, the wick symbolising his soul, and the flame his divinity.
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The candle's size and weight
The size and weight of the Paschal candle vary depending on the region and the specific needs of the congregation. In the United States and Southern Europe, including Italy and France, the candle is typically 4 inches (10 centimetres) in diameter and 36 to 48 inches (91 to 122 centimetres) tall. In Northern Europe, the candle is generally shorter in height, ranging from 19 to 24 inches (48 to 61 centimetres), and wider in diameter, measuring between 3 and 5 inches (7.6 to 12.7 centimetres).
The Paschal candle of Salisbury Cathedral in medieval times was said to have reached a height of 36 feet (11 metres). On the other hand, the candle used in the Manila Cathedral is typically 4 to 4.5 inches (10 to 11 centimetres) in diameter and 50 inches (130 centimetres) tall.
The weight of the candle is a more critical factor than its size in determining how long it will burn. A candle that weighs around 12 pounds is sufficient for a parish that holds five weekend liturgies, one daily liturgy, monthly baptisms, and 30 funerals annually.
The size of the candle can be customised to fit the dimensions of the church. For example, a tall and thin candle may be more suitable for a church with a high Gothic ceiling, while a shorter and thicker candle might be preferred for a baptistry with a low ceiling.
The Paschal candle is considered a powerful symbol of Christ's Resurrection and the Light of the World in Western Christianity. It is often the largest candle in the worship space and is adorned with Christian symbols such as the cross, the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, and the numerals of the current year.
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The candle's use in other denominations
The use of candles varies across different denominations of Christianity. In the Catholic Church, candles are commonly used in prayer and hold symbolic significance. They are also used in many other ways, such as the Paschal candle, which is used in the Easter Mass and lit during baptisms throughout the year. The Paschal candle is also used in other denominations, such as the Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, and Presbyterian Churches. In these traditions, the candle is lit during the Easter Vigil and other special occasions.
In the Episcopal Church, candles are used as a sign of festivity and solemnity in Christian worship. They may be carried in procession, placed on the altar, or used in liturgical celebrations such as Allhallowtide. During the ritualist controversy in the 19th century, there were disputes over the use of altar candles, with those of the catholic tradition favoring their use and those of the evangelical tradition resisting it. However, the use of altar candles was never prohibited, and they continue to be used in the Episcopal Church today.
Lutheran churches also utilize votive candles, which may be lit at home or in church during personal or family devotions. In Nordic Lutheran churches, votive candles are commonplace, and most churches have a votive candle holder. Anglican churches, particularly those in the High Church or Anglo-Catholic tradition, also use votive candles for praying for the dead and seeking saintly intercession.
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, candles are lit before icons of Jesus Christ or the Theotokos. These candles are typically long and thin and are placed in round containers or sand-filled containers where worshippers can place their candles. Orthodox churches also have a separate place for candles lit for the departed, while Lutheran, Anglican, and Roman Catholic churches do not make this distinction.
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Frequently asked questions
The origin of the Paschal candle is uncertain, but it most likely originated from the Lucernarium, an evening office with which early Christians began the vigil for Easter Sunday. This rite was probably inspired by the Jewish custom of lighting a lamp at the conclusion of the Sabbath.
The Paschal candle is made of beeswax to represent the purity of Christ.
The wick of the Paschal candle symbolises Christ's humanity.
The five grains of incense symbolise the five wounds in Christ's hands, feet, and side, as well as the aromatic spices used to prepare his body for burial.
