Chloe Adams
The Paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is a powerful symbol of Christ's Resurrection and Light of the World. The candle is lit at Easter and remains in the sanctuary near the altar until Pentecost or Ascension Day, when it is extinguished. After Eastertide, the candle is kept in the baptistry and used for lighting baptismal candles. The Paschal candle is also lit during funerals and other special occasions, such as the ordination of priests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Placement | The candle remains in the sanctuary close to the altar. It is lit during solemn worship services until Pentecost or Ascension Day. |
| Usage | The Paschal candle is used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is lit and blessed at Easter and used throughout the year on occasions such as baptisms, funerals, and special occasions like the ordination of priests. |
| Symbolism | The candle represents Christ, the Light of the World, and His Resurrection. The beeswax represents Christ's purity, the wick His humanity, and the flame His Divine Nature. |
| Decoration | The candle is often adorned with Christian symbols such as the cross, the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, the numerals of the current year, and five grains of incense representing the Holy Wounds. |
| Tradition | The candle is carried in procession into the church, raised and accompanied by chants. It is used to light other candles during baptisms, symbolizing the Holy Spirit and fire. |
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What You'll Learn
The Paschal candle is placed near the altar
The Paschal candle is a sacred element in Western Christianity, including the Roman Catholic Church, Lutheran Churches, Anglican Communion, and Methodist Churches. It is a large candle that symbolises the risen Christ, the Light of the World, and is adorned with Christian symbols, such as the cross, the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, and the current year.
The Paschal candle is typically placed near the altar in the sanctuary of the church. It remains lit during solemn worship services until Pentecost or, in some traditions, until Ascension Day, when it is extinguished after the Gospel. The candle is lit during these services to symbolise the presence of the glorified risen Christ.
After Eastertide, the candle is kept in the baptistry, and it is lit during baptisms to represent the Holy Spirit and fire that John the Baptist promised to those baptised in Christ. The candles of the newly baptised are also lit from the Paschal candle, symbolising the passing of the light of Christ.
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. The candle holds a rich history and symbolism in Christianity, representing Christ's resurrection, light, and divine nature.
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It is used in the Easter Vigil service
The Paschal candle is used in the Easter Vigil service, which takes place on Holy Saturday night. During the service, a fire is kindled in a metal bowl called a brazier, from which the Paschal candle is lit. The candle is then carried in procession into the church, where it is placed on a special stand near the altar. The candle remains in the sanctuary of the church throughout the Easter season and is lit during liturgical services during this time.
The Paschal candle is a large candle used in Western Christian liturgies, including in the Roman Catholic Church, Lutheran Churches, Anglican Communion, and Methodist Churches. A new candle is blessed and lit every year at Easter, and it is used throughout the Easter season and on other special occasions throughout the year, such as baptisms and funerals.
The candle is often decorated with a cross, symbols of the resurrection, and the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, which symbolise that God is the beginning and the end. The current year may also be inscribed on the candle. During the Easter Vigil service, the candle is carried by a deacon or priest, who leads the procession into the church.
The lighting of the Paschal candle during the Easter Vigil service symbolises the Resurrection and the presence of the risen Christ. The candle itself represents Christ, the Light of the World, and the pure beeswax of the candle represents Christ's sinless nature. The wick signifies his humanity, while the flame represents his divine nature.
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It is lit during baptisms
The Paschal candle, also known as the "Easter candle" or the "Christ candle", is a large candle that symbolises the risen Christ. It 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 placed near the baptismal font, and the candles of the newly baptised are lit from it. This practice symbolises the passing of the light of Christ to each person being baptised.
The use of the Paschal candle during baptisms is a tradition that has been observed in Christian liturgy for centuries. The candle is typically adorned with Christian symbols such as the cross, representing Christ's redemptive sacrifice, and the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet—Alpha and Omega—signifying that He is the beginning and the end.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults emphasises the significance of the baptistery or the area where the baptismal font is located. It should be a dedicated space for the sacrament of baptism, serving as the place where Christians are spiritually reborn in water and the Holy Spirit. The Paschal candle, with its connection to the risen Christ, enhances the symbolism of this sacred space.
The lighting of the Paschal candle during baptisms is a powerful ritual that reinforces the significance of the sacrament. The United Methodist Book of Worship offers guidance on the lighting of the baptismal candles from the Paschal candle, as well as suggestions for their use in the homes of the newly baptised. This continuity from the liturgical setting to the personal space underscores the enduring nature of the Christian faith.
The Paschal candle is an integral part of the baptism ceremony, symbolising the light of Christ that illuminates the spiritual journey of believers. Its presence during baptisms serves as a reminder of the Holy Spirit's presence and the transformative power of the sacrament.
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It is used at funerals
The Paschal candle is used at funerals and is placed near the coffin during the Mass of the repose of the soul or the Requiem. It is a reminder that the sacrament of baptism is itself a death and resurrection in Christ and testifies to Christian certainty in the resurrection of the dead and life with Christ in the world to come. It is also a symbol of Christ's victory over sin and death and of the faithful's share in that victory by virtue of their initiation.
The Paschal candle is also lit during funeral services. In the past, after use, the candle would be melted into tapers to be used at the funerals of the poor. The candle is lit for services where there will be other initiation rites, such as confirmations or renewals of baptism.
The Paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity, including the Roman Catholic Church, Lutheran Churches, Anglican Communion, and Methodist Churches. A new candle is blessed and lit every year at Easter and is used throughout Eastertide and then throughout the year on occasions such as baptisms, funerals, and other special occasions.
The candle is usually kept in the baptistry when not in use so that it can be used to light the candles of the newly baptised. However, there is no obligation for the candle to be visible or placed in the baptistry when not in use.
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It is lit during Mass until Ascension Thursday
The Paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. A new candle is blessed and lit every year at Easter. It is used throughout the Eastertide and then throughout the year on special occasions such as baptisms, funerals and the ordination of priests. The candle is often decorated with a cross, symbols of the resurrection, the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, and the year. The term "Paschal" comes from the Latin word "Pascha", derived from the Hebrew word "Pesach", meaning Passover.
The Paschal candle is the first candle to be lit with a flame from the sacred fire, representing the light of Christ coming into the world. It is lit during the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night when the priest or deacon carries the candle in procession into the dark church. The candle, representing Christ himself, is blessed by the priest who inscribes a cross, the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, and the current year on it. The candle is then lowered three times into the Easter water to be blessed while the priest sings a prayer.
The candle remains in the sanctuary close to the altar and is lit during Mass until Ascension Thursday, or in some traditions, until Pentecost. During this time, it symbolises the presence of the glorified risen Christ. After Eastertide, the candle should be kept in the baptistry so that it can be lit during baptism celebrations. 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.
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. The candle is also lit during the Mass of the ordination of priests.
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Frequently asked questions
During the procession, the Paschal candle is carried by the deacon and is raised three times, accompanied by the chant "The light of Christ", to which the assembly responds, "Thanks be to God".
After the procession, the Paschal candle is placed in the sanctuary near the altar and is lit during solemn worship services until Pentecost or Ascension Day, when it is extinguished.
After Eastertide, the candle is kept in the baptistry and is lit during baptisms to signify the Holy Spirit and fire promised by John the Baptist.
During funerals, the Paschal candle is lit and placed near the coffin during the Mass.
During the Easter Vigil, the Paschal candle is lit from the new fire and is carried by the deacon into the church.
