Maddie James
The Paschal candle, also known as the Easter candle or Christ candle, is a staple in Catholic and Christian Easter and Passover mass. It is a large candle that symbolises the risen Christ and is placed near the altar in a church. The candle is adorned with special symbols like a cross, the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, and the current year. The Paschal candle is lit during Easter and remains lit until Pentecost Sunday. It is also used during baptisms and funerals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use | Symbol of faith, used in liturgies in Western Christianity |
| Used in Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist and Presbyterian churches | |
| Used during Easter, Easter Vigil, Easter Season, Pentecost, and other special occasions | |
| Used during baptisms, funerals, ordinations of priests, taking vows, etc. | |
| Placement | Near the altar, pulpit, font, coffin, or casket |
| In the sanctuary or the baptistry | |
| In the sacristy when not in use | |
| In a visible location | |
| Composition | Made of beeswax, never artificial |
| Must be renewed each year | |
| Only one in number | |
| Sufficiently large to evoke the truth that Christ is the light of the world | |
| Decorated with symbols like the cross, Alpha and Omega, and the current year |
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What You'll Learn
Near the altar
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 near the altar in a sanctuary on a special candle stand. It is usually made of beeswax to represent the purity of Christ, with its wick symbolising Christ's humanity and its flame symbolising His Divine Nature.
The candle is lit and blessed every year at Easter and is used throughout the Eastertide and then on other special occasions such as baptisms, funerals, and the ordination of priests. It is also used during the Liturgy of Baptism, where the priest says, "Receive the light of Christ". The newly baptised person may be given a small baptismal candle that is lit from the Paschal candle.
The Paschal candle is placed near the coffin during funeral rites, symbolising the resurrection life. In the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite, it is placed near the coffin during the Mass of the repose of the soul or the Requiem, indicating that the death of a Christian is their own Passover.
The candle is adorned with several 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", representing the Five Holy Wounds. The candle is kept in the sanctuary near the altar and is lit for all solemn worship services until Pentecost.
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At the 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 is often decorated with a cross, symbols of the resurrection, the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, and the year. The term “Paschal” concerns Easter or Passover.
The Paschal candle is placed near the ambo, in the middle of the sanctuary, or next to the altar. The candle is lit from a “new fire” that serves as an image of the Resurrection. The candle, which represents Christ himself, is placed on a special Paschal candle stand near the altar. Five grains of incense are inserted into the candle to recall the aromatic spices used to prepare Christ's body for burial, and the wounds in His hands, feet, and side, which remained after His resurrection.
The Easter Vigil liturgies of the Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, and Presbyterian Churches are nearly identical. On Maundy Thursday of the same week, the entire church is darkened by extinguishing all candles and lamps. This and the empty tabernacle symbolise the darkness of a world without Christ. At the opening of the Easter Vigil, a fire is lit and blessed. The minister cuts a cross in the wax with a stylus and traces the symbols on the Paschal candle.
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In the baptistry
The Paschal candle is often placed in the baptistry, which is a separate room or structure within or near a church that contains a baptismal font for the sacrament of Christian baptism. The placement of the Paschal candle in the baptistry holds significant symbolic value and serves as a reminder of the connection between baptism and the resurrection of Christ.
During the
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During funeral rites
The Paschal candle, also known as the Easter candle, is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. It is one of the most sacred and enduring elements in Christianity. The candle is lit and placed near the coffin during funeral rites as a symbol of the Christian's passover from death to life. It is also a reminder that the sacrament of baptism is itself a death and resurrection in Christ.
The use of the Paschal candle during funeral rites dates back to the earliest days of Christianity. During the funeral liturgy and the vigil service, the candle is placed near the coffin before the conclusion of the service. The candle serves as a reminder of Christ's undying presence among the faithful, his victory over sin and death, and their share in that victory through their initiation into the Church.
The Paschal candle is typically adorned with several symbolic decorations. The most prominent symbol is the cross, which identifies the candle as the Paschal candle. The Greek letters Alpha and Omega are also featured, symbolising that God is the beginning and the end, as mentioned in the Book of Revelation. The current year is usually inscribed between the arms of the cross. Additionally, five grains of incense, representing the five wounds of Christ, are embedded in the candle, often encased in red or golden wax "nails".
The lighting of the Paschal candle during funeral rites holds significant meaning. It symbolises Christ, who is the light of the world, dispelling the darkness and illuminating the path to eternal life. The candle's flame represents Christ's Divine Nature, while the wick signifies his humanity. The Paschal candle is often lit from the new fire during the Easter Vigil, symbolising the resurrection and the spreading of Christ's light into the congregation and the world.
The size and placement of the Paschal candle during funeral rites may vary depending on local customs and the design of the sanctuary. The candle can be placed near the coffin or casket, following the tradition of keeping it near the baptised during their final journey. The candle's size is chosen in relation to the sanctuary, with larger candles commonly used in the past to emphasise their sacred nature.
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In Catholic and Christian churches
The lighting of the Paschal candle represents Christ as the Light of the World, and its flame symbolises the eternal presence of Jesus among believers. During the Easter Vigil service on Holy Saturday, a new fire is kindled in a brazier, from which the Paschal candle is lit and carried in procession into the church. The candle is placed on a special stand near the altar, where it remains for the full 50 days of the Easter season, burning during liturgical services.
After the Easter season, the Paschal candle is typically placed near the baptismal font and is lit during baptisms, symbolising new life in Christ. It may also be used during the Liturgy of Baptism, when the priest prays, "Receive the light of Christ". The candle may also be carried in procession at burials and placed near the coffin as a symbol of resurrection life.
The placement of the Paschal candle outside of Eastertide is a matter of some flexibility. While it is commonly kept in the baptistry or near the baptismal font, it may also be placed in other visible locations in the sanctuary area near the altar. In some cases, it may be kept in the sacristy when not in use, particularly in non-parish churches where baptisms are rare.
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Frequently asked questions
The Paschal candle is usually placed in a visible location in Catholic churches, such as near the altar or pulpit. It may also be placed near the baptismal font or coffin during funeral rites.
The preferred location for the Paschal candle outside of Eastertide is the baptistry. However, it can also be kept in the sacristy when not in use.
If your church has a small baptismal font, you can place the Paschal candle in a visible place in the sanctuary area near the altar. Alternatively, you can place it outside the sanctuary area in relation to the ambo.
In non-parish churches and oratories where baptisms are rare and there is no stable font, the Paschal candle can be kept in the sacristy when not in use.
