Last Sunday I had a great question from a parishioner regarding the Paschal Candle on our altar during Easter. After briefly answering the question, and later emailing with more followup details, I wondered if everyone might enjoy a monthly article about the symbols of our faith that we use in our worship space. With that in mind, I am going to try and write about one item each month, and I hope you enjoy and learn as we go.
To honor the inspiration of this column, let’s talk about our Paschal Candle. It is the largest candle on the altar, and has its own stand positioned to the left and front of the altar. Each year, we bless this candle at our Easter Vigil, and light it from the New Fire kindled in our font (sometimes we use the same candle for multiple years). It’s flame symbolizes the light of Christ celebrated at Easter, and that continues to burn in our hearts today dispelling the darkness of despair. As the Easter Vigil begins, the Paschal Candle is walked down the aisle and congregants taper candles are lit from it. We burn it at every service during the season of Easter; at Baptisms we light the candidate’s candle from it; and also at funerals recalling the Easter hope we have the face of death. It is sometimes referred to as the Easter Candle, or the Christ Candle. When in use the Paschal Candle becomes the prominent symbol in the liturgy, preceding the cross in a procession.
Evidence of a paschal candle in Easter worship dates back to the fourth century, where like our traditions today we light the candle and the deacon chants the Exsultet hymn honoring the candle and the hope it represents. Around the 12th century, the year began to be inscribed on the candle; other symbols usually include the Alpha and the Omega, and the five incense pins representing the wounds of Christ.
Next time you are here, take a closer look at the Paschal Candle, and remember that the light of Christ shines in the darkest and hopeless of places.
Newsletter
Give
