What is a Paschal Candle?

The tradition of the Paschal candle may go back as far as the 4th century. We find in the letters of St. Jerome a description of the custom and tradition surrounding the Paschal candle. The practice probably stems from the Lucernarium rite as well as an old Jewish tradition. In the early church, after the candle had been used on Easter Sunday, they would break the candle up into fragments and pass out the pieces to the faithful in the community. Starting in the 10th century, however, the Paschal candle began to have a more prominent position within churches. By the 12th century, they were inscribing the current year on the candle which is a practice that continues to this day.

Paschal candles are the largest candles in the worship space. The candle will prominently feature a cross, and also displays the Greek letters alpha and omega to signify that God is the beginning and the end. The year is added as a reminder of God's immediate presence among the religious community. Five grains of incense (most often red) are embedded in the candle (sometimes encased in wax "nails") during the Easter Vigil to represent the five wounds of Jesus: one in each hand, one in each foot, and the spear thrust into his side.

Every year during the Easter Vigil, a new Paschal candle is blessed. Each parish should have a new candle every year as a sign of each community's participation in the Easter mystery. The candle is lit for all religious services throughout the 50 days of the Easter season. For the remainder of the year, the candle may be lit for baptisms, funerals, or weddings.

Check out some Paschal Candles at St. Patrick's Guild. Click here.