Joshua Bennett
The Easter candle, also known as the paschal candle, is a large wax candle that is blessed and lit during the Easter vigil. 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 meant to be a reminder of Christ's resurrection and is lit during Mass and other liturgies from Easter until Ascension Thursday or Pentecost Sunday. After the Easter season, the candle is moved from the sanctuary to the baptismal font and is only lit during baptisms and funerals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the candle | Paschal candle |
| Religion | Roman Catholic Church, Lutheran Churches, Anglican Communion, Methodist Churches |
| Symbolises | Resurrection and light of Christ |
| Lit during | Easter Vigil, Mass, Baptisms, Funerals, Ordinations of Priests, Taking vows, Consecration of virgins |
| Placement | Near the altar, pulpit or ambo |
| Duration | 50 days, until Pentecost |
| Other names | Easter candle |
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What You'll Learn
- The Easter candle is lit during Mass and other liturgies from Easter until Pentecost
- It is blessed during the Easter vigil and represents the light of Christ
- The candle is not lit during exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the extraordinary form
- It is placed near the coffin during funerals and at the baptismal font during baptisms
- The candle is raised three times during the procession, accompanied by the chant The light of Christ
The Easter candle is lit during Mass and other liturgies from Easter until Pentecost
The Easter candle, also known as the Paschal candle, is a significant part of Easter celebrations in the Catholic Church. It is a large wax candle that symbolises the resurrection and light of Christ, particularly Christ risen from the dead. The candle is adorned with special symbols, including five grains of incense in the form of a cross, representing the five wounds of Christ, and the letters alpha and omega, symbolising Christ as the beginning and the end.
The Easter candle is first lit during the Easter Vigil, which takes place on the night of Holy Saturday in the Roman Catholic Church and other denominations. The Easter Vigil begins in darkness, and a fire is lit and blessed outside the church. From this fire, the Easter candle is lit and then carried in a procession into the church, dispelling the darkness. The candle is then blessed, and the Exultet, a beautiful ancient chant, is sung by a deacon or priest.
From Easter until Pentecost, the Easter candle continues to be lit during Mass and other liturgies. It is prominently displayed near the altar or pulpit and is lit for all liturgical celebrations, especially those of a solemn nature. The candle is not lit during all Masses, but its presence and lighting during solemn Masses and liturgies emphasise its symbolic value as a reminder of Christ's resurrection.
After the Easter season, the candle is moved from the sanctuary to the baptistery or baptismal font and is lit during baptisms, symbolising the light of Christ received during the sacrament. It is also lit during funerals and placed near the coffin, representing the Christian's own Passover. The Easter candle is thus a powerful symbol of Christ's light and presence throughout the Easter season and beyond, inspiring believers to create their own versions for their homes.
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It is blessed during the Easter vigil and represents the light of Christ
The Easter candle, also known as the paschal candle, is a significant part of the Easter Vigil liturgy in the Catholic Church. This large wax candle is blessed during the Easter Vigil, representing the light of Christ and His resurrection. The candle is kept in a prominent place in the church sanctuary and lit during Mass and other liturgies from Easter until Pentecost.
The Easter Vigil, celebrated in the hours of darkness between sunset on Holy Saturday and sunrise on Easter Day, is a significant liturgy in the Catholic Church, marking the first official celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus. It is during this liturgy that the paschal candle is blessed and lit, becoming a source of light for the parish and a symbol of Christ's light in the world.
The blessing and lighting of the paschal candle follow a specific ritual. Firstly, a "blazing fire" is prepared outside the church, representing the Holy Fire as a symbol of Christ's resurrection. The priest then blesses this fire and prepares the paschal candle, which is made of wax and renewed each year. The deacon places the candle on a large candlestick, and the priest lights it from the blessed fire, chanting "Lumen Christi" ("The Light of Christ"). This light is then passed to the congregation's candles, illuminating the church with the light of Christ.
The paschal candle's lighting during the Easter Vigil holds profound symbolism. It represents the light of Christ overcoming the darkness of the world, as expressed in the Exsultet, an ancient chant: "Therefore, O Lord, we pray you that this candle, hallowed to the honor of your name, may persevere undimmed, to overcome the darkness of this night." The candle specifically symbolises Christ's resurrection, with its light representing His glory and the hope of new life that He brings.
Outside of the Easter season, the paschal candle is still used in the Catholic Church. It is kept near the baptismal font and lit during baptisms and funeral Masses, reminding the faithful of Christ's resurrection and their own sharing in it through baptism. Thus, the paschal candle remains a powerful symbol of Christ's light and our participation in His resurrection through the sacraments.
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The candle is not lit during exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the extraordinary form
The Easter candle, also known as the paschal candle, is a large wax candle that is blessed during the Easter vigil. It is kept in a prominent place in the church sanctuary and is lit during Mass and other liturgies from Easter until Pentecost. The candle represents the light of Christ, especially Christ risen from the dead.
While there are no clear rules regarding the use of the Easter candle, it is generally not lit during exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the extraordinary form. This is based on the norms applicable to the extraordinary form, which indicate that the Easter candle is not lit only for exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. The principle behind this norm appears to be that lighting the Easter candle is reserved for liturgical acts celebrated with some degree of solemnity.
However, the Easter candle can be lit during exposition if a liturgical celebration is held during adoration. Additionally, it would be lit if vespers were celebrated before the Blessed Sacrament was exposed or if Benediction followed immediately after vespers.
The Easter candle is typically lit during all the more solemn liturgical celebrations of Eastertide, including Mass and Morning and Evening Prayer. It is not required to be lit at all Masses and community celebrations of the Divine Office, but this is not prohibited, especially in communities that regularly celebrate the liturgy with solemnity.
The Easter candle is a symbol of Christ's resurrection, and its use is reserved for those times and occasions that are specifically focused on this mystery. By doing so, the candle's value as a symbol is preserved.
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It is placed near the coffin during funerals and at the baptismal font during baptisms
The Easter candle, also known as the Paschal candle, is a significant part of Catholic liturgy. It is a symbol of 'the light of Christ, rising in glory', scattering 'the darkness of our hearts and minds'. The candle is lit during the Easter Vigil, representing the Risen Christ triumphing over death. The flame is drawn from a newly kindled fire, symbolising new life. During the Vigil, the candle is carried into a darkened church, with the proclamation, "The Light of Christ", capturing the essence of Easter joy.
The Paschal candle is placed near the coffin during funerals, symbolising the Christian's passover from death to life. It signifies hope in eternal life. The candle is also used during the funeral liturgy, placed near the coffin before the procession concludes. Local customs may also dictate the placement of other candles near the coffin during the funeral service.
The Easter candle is also used at baptisms, where it is placed near the baptismal font. The candles of the newly baptised are lit from the Paschal candle, symbolising the passing of the light of Christ to the baptised. This act represents new Christians receiving Christ's light. The candle is kept in the baptistry with honour, and its use is necessary during baptism. The Rite of Baptism for Children and the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults also mention that the Easter candle should be kept in the baptistery.
The Paschal candle is made of beeswax, symbolising the purity of Christ. The candle's wick represents Christ's humanity, and the flame symbolises His divine nature. The candle is traditionally inscribed with the current year and is of a large size.
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The candle is raised three times during the procession, accompanied by the chant The light of Christ
The Easter candle, also known as the Paschal candle, is a significant part of the Easter celebrations in the Catholic Church. The candle is a symbol of Christ and his resurrection, and it is lit during the Easter Vigil and throughout the Easter season until Pentecost.
The lighting of the Easter candle is a solemn ritual. On the night of Holy Saturday, the church is darkened, symbolising the darkness of a world without Christ. A fire is then lit and blessed, and the Paschal candle is engraved with a cross and other symbols. The candle is then lit and carried in a procession, accompanied by the chanting of the Exultet, an ancient hymn that celebrates the light of Christ overcoming the darkness.
During this procession, the candle is raised three times, and at each raising, a different set of candles is lit. Firstly, at the first "Lumen Christi", the candle carried by the celebrant is lit. Secondly, at the second "Lumen Christi", the candles of the clergy are lit. Finally, at the third "Lumen Christi", the candles of the faithful and the lights of the church are lit. This ritual symbolises the light of Christ spreading and illuminating the world.
The Paschal candle is a large candle that is prominently displayed in the church throughout the Easter season. It is decorated with several symbolic elements, including a cross, the Greek letters alpha and omega, the current year, and five grains of incense encased in red or golden wax. These symbols represent Christ's sacrifice, God's eternal presence, and the wounds he received on the cross.
The Easter candle holds great significance in the Catholic Church, and its lighting and procession are a powerful reminder of Christ's resurrection and the light he brings to the world. The ritual is steeped in tradition and symbolism, enhancing the Easter celebrations and providing a visual representation of the triumph of light over darkness.
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Frequently asked questions
The Easter candle, also known as the paschal candle, is lit for the first time on the evening of the Easter Vigil and is kept lit throughout the Easter season until Pentecost Sunday. It is then moved to the baptismal font and is only lit for baptisms and funerals.
The Easter candle symbolises the resurrection and light of Christ. The light of the candle dispels the darkness of a world without Christ.
The Easter Vigil begins in darkness. A fire is lit and blessed outside the church, and this fire is used to light the Easter candle when it is carried in procession into the church.
