Tyler Brooks
Votive candles, also known as prayer candles, are a common feature in many Christian churches and home altars. They are typically small, white or yellow, and made from beeswax. The lighting of a votive candle is an act of devotion and prayer, often symbolizing the prayers of the worshipper for themselves or others. In churches, votive candles are placed near statues or images of saints, with the light representing the prayer coming into the light of God. The use of votive candles is also seen in other religions, such as Judaism, where a perpetual light is kept burning in synagogues to signify the presence of God. With their versatility and classic appeal, votive candles are also popular in homes and offices, adding a touch of warmth and ambiance to any space.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A votive candle is a small candle, typically white or beeswax yellow, intended to be burnt as a votive offering in an act of Christian prayer. |
| Synonyms | Prayer candle |
| Religious significance | Christians light votive candles to symbolise the "prayers the worshipper is offering for him or herself, or for other people." |
| Religious denominations | Anglican, Lutheran, Roman Catholic Christian denominations, among others. |
| Religious history | The use of votive candles dates back to early Christian times, when candles were lit before a statue or sacred image of their Lord or a saint. |
| Religious symbolism | The candle represents the person in faith who has come into the light to offer a sacrifice, made in both the offering of the prayer and the acceptance of the Lord's Will. |
| Religious practices | Votive candles are lit during Mass, liturgical and funeral processions, and evening prayer ceremonies. |
| Religious locations | Votive candles are placed near the Tabernacle to signify the Lord's presence in the Blessed Sacrament and to call for reverence. |
| Religious texts | John's Gospel connects Christ and true life with the imagery of light: "Whatever came to life in Him found life, life for the light of men" and "The real light that gives light to every man was coming into the world." |
| Religious rituals | In the Roman Catholic Church, votive candles are placed before a statue of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or another saint. |
| Religious donations | A donation box is usually placed near a votive candle rack to allow Christians to make votive offerings to the church. |
| Materials | Votive candles are made from different types of waxes, including paraffin, soy wax, or beeswax. |
| Shapes and sizes | Votive candles may vary in size, from long, taper-type candles to tealight candles. |
| Holders | Votive candle holders are typically made of glass, while tealight holders are made of metal. |
| Maintenance | Votive stands should be kept clean and presentable, and candles should be burned on a flat, level surface away from direct sunlight and warm environments. |
| Cost | Votive candles are more expensive than tea lights but last longer. |
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What You'll Learn
Votive candles in Christian denominations
The use of votive candles is commonplace in many Christian denominations, including Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, and Roman Catholic churches. In these traditions, votive candles are lit as part of prayer and devotion to God. They are often lit before statues or sacred images of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or other saints, with the light symbolising the prayer that is being offered.
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, votive candles are lit before icons, usually of Jesus Christ or the Theotokos. Orthodox churches typically use long, thin candles, which are placed in round containers with sockets or in containers filled with sand. They also have a separate place for candles lit for the departed, a practice that is not observed in Lutheran, Anglican, and Roman Catholic churches.
Votive candles are also used in Methodist churches, particularly those that worship in the High Church tradition. During the liturgical celebration of Allhallowtide, votive candles are lit and prayers are said for each member of the congregation who has died that year.
In the Reformed tradition, which includes Continental Reformed, Presbyterian, and Congregationalist denominations, votive candles are lit during Totensonntag, a holy day commemorating the faithful departed.
The lighting of votive candles is also practised in Lutheran churches, particularly in Nordic Lutheran churches in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland. These churches typically have votive candle holders, similar to those in Eastern Orthodox Churches, with a round metal frame and sockets for multiple candles surrounding a central, larger candle.
In addition to their use in churches, votive candles are also lit in Christian homes as part of personal or family devotions.
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Votive candle holders
Votive candles are a versatile option that can enhance the aesthetic of any room in a home, office, or place of worship. They are small candles, usually white or beeswax yellow, and are often placed in votive holders.
In the context of religious practices, votive candle holders, also known as votive stands, are an important part of Christian worship in churches and home altars. They can be found in different forms, such as tabletop stands or standalone structures, and are available in various styles and sizes. In Eastern Orthodox Churches, votive candles are typically placed in round metal containers with sockets or sand, while Lutheran, Anglican, and Roman Catholic churches do not make this distinction.
When using votive candle holders, it is important to maintain and clean them properly. One simple method to clean glass votive holders is by using hot water to melt the excess wax. Additionally, to safely remove wax from votive holders, individuals can heat their oven to a low temperature, place the container on a baking sheet inside for about 10 minutes, and then wipe away the residue with a paper towel.
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Votive candles in other religions
In Christianity, votive candles are commonplace in many churches and home altars, especially within Anglican, Lutheran, and Roman Catholic Christian denominations. The candles are lit to pray for oneself or others and to seek help from saints. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, candles are lit before icons of Jesus Christ or the Theotokos, and there is usually a separate place to put candles lit for the departed. In the Roman Catholic Church, candles are placed before a statue of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or another saint. 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 also used in other religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, where similar offerings include diyas and butter lamps. In Judaism, a perpetual light is kept burning in temples and synagogues to show the presence of God. Later, the Talmud prescribed a lit lamp at the Ark, where the Torah and other sacred scriptures were kept, to show reverence to the Word of God. This practice influenced the tradition of having a lit candle near the Tabernacle to indicate the presence of and show reverence for the Blessed Sacrament.
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The history of votive candles
The use of votive candles has a long history in religious practices across the world. In the Roman era and ancient Greece, votive offerings were made to gain favour with the gods. This practice continues in the present day, such as tossing coins into a wishing well or fountain. In ancient India, votive offerings in Buddhism included the construction of stupas and clay tablets bearing Buddhist images.
In Christianity, the use of votive candles is common in churches and home altars, particularly within Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, and Roman Catholic denominations. The candles are often lit before statues or images of saints, with the light symbolising the prayer being said for oneself or another person. The practice is also seen in Judaism, where a perpetual light is kept burning in temples and synagogues to show the presence of God.
Votive candles are typically small, white or beeswax yellow, and made from different types of waxes such as paraffin, soy wax, or beeswax. They are placed in holders or on platforms in front of statues or images. The burning of votive candles is often associated with prayer and devotion, with the light representing the presence of God or Christ.
In the Middle Ages, the symbolism of votive candles was elaborated by St. Radegund, who described a practice of "measuring to" a saint by lighting a number of candles equal to one's height. This reflected the idea of the candle representing the person in faith, coming into the light to offer a prayer.
Today, votive candles are still used in religious practices and are also popular in secular settings for their versatility and ability to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. They are often used in homes and offices, with various scents and holders to match different décor styles.
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The cost of votive candles
Votive candles are often more expensive per candle than tea lights, but they also last significantly longer. This makes them a cost-effective option for those who need a large number of candles for a short period, such as religious institutions or spas, as they won't need to be replaced as frequently.
The size of votive candles can vary, with a standard size of around two inches tall by one and a half inches in diameter. However, they can also be significantly taller and wider. The larger the candle, the more wax is required, which may impact the cost.
In addition to the candles themselves, there are also additional costs associated with votive candle holders, extinguishers, drip mats, and other accessories needed for safe and proper candle maintenance. Proper maintenance can help extend the life of the candle and prevent damage to surrounding areas.
It is worth noting that in some religious contexts, such as within Christian churches, there may be donation boxes near votive candle racks, where individuals can contribute to the cost of the candles and make offerings to the church.
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Frequently asked questions
A votive candle is a small candle, typically white or beeswax yellow, intended to be burnt as a votive offering in an act of Christian prayer.
Votive candles symbolise the prayers the worshipper is offering for themselves or for others. The light signifies a prayer offered in faith coming into the light of God.
Votive candles are placed in holders or on a platform in front of a statue or sacred image of God or a saint.
Votive candles are made from different types of waxes including paraffin, soy wax, or beeswax.
One of the simplest and fastest ways to clean a glass votive candle holder is with hot water. This will melt the excess wax and leave the glass clean.
