Brooke Martin
The use of candles in Christian liturgical traditions is extensive and varied, with different regulations and traditions governing the number, type, and placement of candles, as well as when they are lit and extinguished. In this context, the order in which altar candles are lit and extinguished is significant, with the Epistle candle being lit first and the Gospel candle last, and reversed when extinguishing. The lighting and extinguishing of altar candles often follow specific rituals and hold symbolic meanings, such as symbolising the light of Christ or the light of the gospel.
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What You'll Learn
The Epistle candle is lit first
In the Lutheran tradition, the Epistle candle is lit first, followed by the Gospel candle. Both candles are typically made of beeswax, with no more than a minimal admixture of other materials, and they are usually bleached. The use of beeswax holds symbolic significance for many Christian denominations. For instance, in the Catholic Church, the pure wax extracted by bees from flowers symbolises the pure flesh of Christ, received from the Virgin Mary.
Arthur Carl Piepkorn, in his liturgical directory, *The Conduct of the Service*, notes that the Epistle candle is always lit first and extinguished last. He also emphasises the importance of using a lighter and snuffer, deeming it improper to light the candles with a match held in the hand or to extinguish them with puffs of breath.
The lighting and extinguishing of altar candles follow specific procedures and rituals. For example, in the Catholic tradition, before stepping off the altar, one must first genuflect, light the candle on the Epistle side, step off the altar, genuflect again in the middle, and then repeat the process on the Gospel side. The Gospel side of the church is the left side when facing forward. Thus, candles are lit from right to left and extinguished from left to right.
The number of candles used on the altar varies across different Christian denominations and the type of service being conducted. For instance, the Lutheran tradition typically uses two candles, while six candles are employed in the Counter-Reformatory Roman Rite. During a pontifical high Mass, celebrated by the ordinary, seven candles are lit, with the seventh candle placed in the middle and slightly taller than the others.
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Candles are lit using a taper
Taper candles are a versatile and elegant addition to any space, with a history that dates back millennia. They are tall, thin candles that taper from the bottom upwards and require a candle holder to secure them in place. When using a taper candle, there are several considerations to keep in mind to ensure safety and maximise enjoyment.
Firstly, it is important to select the appropriate taper candle and holder combination. Choose a candle that fits the dimensions of your holder, considering the desired burn time and aesthetics. Longer taper candles provide extended burn times, while shorter candles offer a more compact appearance. For stability, opt for a sturdy and heat-resistant holder made of materials like metal, glass, or ceramic. The design of the holder can also enhance your décor style.
To light a taper candle safely and effectively, follow these steps:
- Prepare the candle and holder: Ensure the candle is securely placed in the holder at a 90-degree angle on a level surface to minimise wax dripping and avoid safety hazards. If the candle is too large for the holder, you can carefully shave excess wax from the base or wrap the base with material to make it fit snugly.
- Use a taper to light the candle: In the context of altar candles, a taper is a lit wick attached to a long handle. Light the taper first and then use it to light the altar candle. This method is considered more reverent than using a match or extinguishing with puffs of breath.
- Monitor and maintain the candle: Never leave a burning taper candle unattended. Keep an eye on the flame, especially in the presence of children or pets. If the flame flickers excessively, relocate the candle away from drafts or adjust the wick gently to restore a steady flame.
- Manage the burn time: Taper candles have varying burn times, so extinguish the candle accordingly to avoid excessive dripping or overheating. For altar candles, there are specific regulations and traditions regarding when they should be lit and extinguished, depending on the religious context.
- Maintain the wick: Periodically check the wick during burning and trim it to 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) if it becomes too long. This helps maintain an even and controlled burn.
By following these steps, you can safely and effectively light altar candles using a taper, creating a captivating and elegant atmosphere while adhering to the specific traditions and regulations of your religious denomination.
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Candles are lit by the officiant, choirboy or server
In the context of altar candles, the act of lighting the candles holds religious significance and is usually performed by the officiant, choirboy, or server.
In Lutheran practices, two single beeswax candles are typically used on the altar, with the Epistle candle being lit first and the Gospel candle last. These candles are often placed near the extremities of the altar, either on the gradine or close to the back of the mensa. The person performing the lighting should use a lighter or snuffer, avoiding the use of matches or extinguishing with puffs of breath, as these are considered less reverent.
In the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, candles are required to be placed on or beside the altar during the celebration of Mass. The number of candles can vary, with two being the minimum and six candles being a Counter-Reformatory Roman tradition.
Methodist churches often use two candles on the altar, symbolizing Jesus' dual nature as both human and divine. These candles are typically lit from right to left and extinguished from left to right.
In the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, altar candles are tall and thin, made of beeswax and stearine, and topped with a candle follower to prevent wax from spilling. These candles are lit and extinguished in a specific order to ensure the Gospel side candle is never burning alone.
During wedding ceremonies, the officiant plays a crucial role in the candle-lighting ritual, known as the unity candle ceremony. The officiant sets up the required items, including taper candles and the unity candle, and may light the tapers before passing them to the wedding couple. The couple then uses these tapers to light the unity candle together, symbolizing their union in marriage.
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Candles are lit right to left
The lighting and extinguishing of altar candles follow specific rules and traditions in various religions. For instance, in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, candles are required to be placed on or beside the altar during the celebration of Mass. The Lutheran practice, as described by Arthur Carl Piepkorn, involves using two single beeswax candles on the altar, with the Epistle candle lit first and the Gospel candle lit last. They are then extinguished in reverse order.
In Methodist churches, candles are typically lit from right to left and extinguished from left to right. This practice is also observed in Anglican churches. The Gospel side of the church is the left side when facing forward. The lighting of candles from right to left holds symbolic significance, representing the dual nature of Jesus Christ as both a human being and God.
The use of altar candles has a long history in Christian liturgical traditions. While lamps and candles were in use by the fourth century, placing candles on the altar became more common from the twelfth century onwards. Over time, complex rules evolved regarding the composition and number of candles used at Mass. For example, the Roman Missal of 1920 specifies that there should be "at least two candlesticks with lit candles" on the altar, with a centrally placed cross between them.
The composition of the candles also holds significance. Beeswax candles, with minimal admixtures, were considered essential, symbolizing the pure flesh of Christ. The wick represents the soul of Christ, and the flame signifies His divinity. These candles are often topped with a candle follower to prevent wax dripping onto the altar linens.
In summary, the lighting of altar candles from right to left is a specific practice observed in Methodist and Anglican churches. This tradition underscores the belief in the dual nature of Jesus Christ and is an integral part of their liturgical traditions.
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The Paschal candle is lit first at Easter Vigil
The lighting of the Paschal candle is a solemn rite in Western Christianity, including the Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, and Presbyterian Churches. The Paschal candle is a large candle that symbolises the risen Christ and is often decorated with a cross, symbols of the resurrection, the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, and the current year. The term "Paschal" is derived from the Latin word "Pascha", which comes from the Hebrew word "Pesach", meaning Passover.
At the Easter Vigil, the Paschal candle is lit from the new fire, and this moment is considered one of the most solemn parts of the service. The deacon carries the candle, pausing three times to sing or say, "The light of Christ," to which the people respond, "Thanks be to God." Once the candle is carried to the chancel, its flame may be used to light the candles held by the congregation, symbolising the spread of the light of Christ.
The preparation and lighting of the Paschal candle involve several rituals. Before it is lit, the minister may say, "May the light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds." The candle is then raised three times during the procession, accompanied by the chant, "The light of Christ," to which the assembly responds, "Thanks be to God."
After the Easter Vigil, the candle is kept in a place of honour and used throughout the Easter season. It is typically placed near the font or in the baptistry, burning during baptisms to represent new life in Christ. The Paschal candle is also used at funerals, placed near the coffin as a symbol of resurrection life.
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Frequently asked questions
Altar candles are typically made of beeswax and stearine. They are tall, thin candles topped with a brass or glass candle follower to prevent wax from dripping onto the altar linens.
The number of altar candles varies depending on the denomination and the specific ceremony. In general, two candles are lit on the altar, but there can be up to six or seven candles lit during certain Masses in the Catholic Church.
The altar candles are typically lit from right to left, with the Epistle candle being lit first and the Gospel candle last.
