Lighting a candle is a symbolic gesture that has a long history in Christianity. Though the specific meanings associated with the practice vary between different denominations and traditions, the lighting of candles is often used to signify prayer, sacrifice, reverence, hope, and other spiritual themes.
The Origins of Lighting Candles in Worship
The use of candles in Christian worship and prayer dates back to the earliest centuries of the church. In the catacombs where early Christians worshipped in secret, candles provided both practical lighting and symbolic meaning. The sources of light in the dark catacombs signified Christ as the light of the world, a theme found in the Gospel of John.
By the 5th century, candles were widely used in Christian churches and ceremonies. Their flames represented the light of God, illumination, and the eternal presence of Christ. They became incorporated into baptisms, funerals, Masses, vespers, and other services.
During the Middle Ages, candles took on more elaborate ritual significance. Giant Paschal candles were placed near altars for Easter. Candlemas day involved blessing all the candles to be used in church that year. And the Tenebrae services of Holy Week used growing darkness, gradually extinguishing candles, to symbolize the betrayal and abandonment of Christ.
Meanings Associated with Lighting Candles
Today, lighting candles remains an important practice in the worship services of many Christian denominations, including Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican/Episcopal, and Lutheran churches. Candles hold a range of symbolic meanings:
- Illuminating darkness – They represent Christ as the light of the world.
- Prayer – The upward flight of a candle’s flame is like a prayer rising to heaven.
- Sacrifice – Beeswax candles recall Christ’s sacrifice on the cross through the image of the paschal candle.
- Hope – A lit candle signifies hope in the darkness, or hope for a prayer to be answered.
- Reverence – Candles demonstrate reverence for the altar, for the holy Eucharist, or for sacred images and relics.
Votive Candles
One of the most common practices involving candles is lighting votive candles. These are the candles in glass containers found in churches or chapels, often near statues or other holy images. By lighting a votive candle, a worshipper offers up a prayer of intercession.
The size and intended burn time of votive candles can vary:
- Small votive candles may burn just a few hours.
- Large votive candles can burn all day long or for multiple days.
- Perpetual candles are replaced regularly to maintain a continuously lit flame.
When lighting a votive candle, a prayer is offered up for the petition represented by that candle. The end of the candle’s burn time signifies the lifting up of that prayer. Many churches have an offering box for donations to contribute to the costs of the votive candles.
Prayer Candles
Prayer candles can be lit in church or at home. These candles represent petitions offered up to God, saints, or the Virgin Mary. The person lighting the candle sincerely offers up their prayer, believing that the divine recipient will hear their petition.
Prayer candles often feature images representing the saint or religious figure being invoked. They may be decorated with prayers or petitions already printed on them. The burning candle visually accompanies the prayer it represents, offered up until the wax is gone.
Candles in Home Worship
While lighting candles is central in public worship services, it also has a place in private prayer and devotion at home. Ways Christians use candles at home include:
- Placing a candle near a home altar or holy image
- Lighting candles during home prayer or meditation
- Burning a candle while studying Scripture or other spiritual texts
- Having candles at meals to remind the family of Christ’s presence
For many Christians today, lighting a candle remains a core part of their spiritual practice. It tangibly represents prayers and petitions rising to God as well as Christ’s light overcoming darkness. This simple yet profound symbol persists across centuries, cultures, and Christian traditions.
Types of Candles Used
Throughout history, Christians have used various types of candles, often with specific symbolic meanings:
| Candle Type | Meaning & Uses |
|---|---|
| Beeswax | Pure wax recalls Christ’s body; used for altar candles, paschal candles |
| Unbleached wax | Unpurified state; used during Lent, Holy Week |
| Wick & flame | Represents Christ’s humanity (wick) and divinity (flame) |
| Pillar candles | Tall candles signify uplifted prayers |
| Votive candles | Placed near sacred images/relics; offer petitions |
| Tapers | Thin candles used in rituals, liturgies |
| Tealights | Small candles often burned at home |
The substances used in candlemaking also carry meaning, from pure beeswax to soy blends. The shape, size, and other characteristics of a candle influence its significance in worship.
Candle Colors
While most liturgical candles are white or unbleached, some traditions associate different colors of candles with special meanings or liturgical seasons:
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| White | Purity, joy, Christ at transfiguration |
| Red | Fire, blood, Pentecost, martyrs |
| Green | Growth, nature, life, Ordinary Time |
| Violet | Penitence, Advent, Lent |
| Black | Death, sorrow |
The colors signify liturgical seasons and special remembrances. For instance, red candles would often be used on feasts of martyred saints or Pentecost. Some traditions reserve certain colors only for special clergy.
Candle Safety
While candles hold profound spiritual meaning, care must also be taken to use them safely in worship. Guidelines include:
- Placing candles on stable, fireproof surfaces.
- Avoiding drafty areas that will cause rapid, uneven burning.
- Keeping all flammable materials (decorations, flowers, booklets) far from candle flames.
- Ensuring candles are fully extinguished after services.
- Storing extra candles securely between uses.
- Training staff, volunteers, or altar servers in proper lighting and snuffing.
With the right precautions, the age-old custom of lighting candles can safely continue to illuminate worship for modern Christians.
Conclusion
Through rich imagery and powerful symbolism, the lighting of candles has profound spiritual meaning for Christians across many traditions and centuries. This beloved practice represents Christ as the light of the world, uplifted prayers, reverence for the divine, penitence, joy, and hope. The beauty and simplicity of a lit candle continues to shine in both public worship and private devotions today.
