CEREMONY OF LIGHTING CANDLE

Symbolism in Baptism

Following the symbols of ‘cleansing with water’, ‘anointing with holy oil’ and ‘clothing with white garment’, the symbolism of light is rich and meaningful for the newly baptized. He/she is now given the guiding principle for the future course of her life. We are cleansed from our sinfulness (water), anointed to be a prophet-priest-king, given the nature of our end (purity/white cloth) and now the path that leads us to such an end is ‘an enlightened life in Christ’ is symbolized by presenting the burning candle to the newly baptized flamed from the Paschal candle. Thus, we begin a ‘new life’.

The symbols are rich in signifying every one of these aspects: the candle of the baptized stands for the individual Christian, which is lit from the Paschal candle that stands for the risen Christ. It is then handed over to the newly baptized, symbolically saying – ‘be enlightened by Christ the eternal flame/wisdom’. The celebrant tells the recipient ‘receive the light’. Curiously in the adult baptism this makes a lot of sense. As if a gift is given in reward for the commitment he or she has taken with his/her consent for the baptism in the church. In the Infant baptism, the instruction is rendered to the parents and the god-parents about their responsibility to instruct the child in the teachings of Christ; that the newly baptized may understand in the future that s/he was brought up in light in accordance to the baptismal promise – a rare gift to the Christian.

It would fitting at this point to make cursory note about the history of the use of candles in the catholic worship. Historians of Christian tradition trace the origin of the use of candles to the influences of Judaism and Roman popular cults that revered light as the symbol of the divine presence. The use of candles for worship in the church is precisely tied to the Roman culture that used a candle like substance in its religious practices and other ceremonies. The name ‘candle’ was introduced as late as eighth century by the Catholic Church. In the first and second centuries, the Christians adapted the use of candles in its worship for their rich symbolism of divine presence and for other practical purposes like to dispel darkness in their secret worship.

History makes reference to the use of candles in worships and funerals of martyrs as early as third century, I quote:

The use of multitude of candles and lamps was undoubtedly a prominent feature of the celebrations of the Easter vigil, dating, we may believe, almost from Apostolic times. Eusebius (Vita Constant., IV, xxii) speaks of the ‘pillars of wax’ with which Constantine transformed night into day, and Prudentius and other authors have left eloquent descriptions of the brilliance within the churches.  (“Candles” Catholic Encyclopedia.)

Easter Candle

Later the council of Elvira (c. 300) condemns the use of candles at the cemetery during the day.  Hence it proves the use of candles right from the beginning of the church. The controversy comes to a close with St. Jerome explaining the symbolic significance – candles as sign of joy - of the use of candles. Probably it is for this reason that right from the beginning candles had a close association with Baptism and Easter Vigil. The sacrament for that matter was described as ‘illumination’. The theme forms part of the Exultet used even now on the Holy Saturday. It is highly probable that it was composed by St. Jerome, I quote:

[…] in this the idea of the supposed virginity of bees is insisted on, and the wax is therefore regarded as typifying in a most appropriate way the flesh of Jesus Christ born of a virgin mother. From this has sprung the further conception that the wick symbolizes more particularly the soul of Jesus Christ and the flame the Divinity which absorbs and dominates both. Thus the great paschal candle represents Christ, "the true light", and the smaller candles are typical of each individual Christian who strives to reproduce Christian his life. This symbolism we may say is still accepted in the Church at large. (“Candles” Catholic Encyclopedia)

The candles, thus gradually gained prominence with growing understanding of the wealth of their symbolic significance. It was used in every worships and sacraments except reconciliation even the excommunication ceremony had the symbol of candle being snuffed out a tragic representation of a life being excluded from the precious life of grace in the Catholic Church. Only in the 11th century did they make their appearance on the altar itself, a feature which became obligatory in the 17th century.

The light therefore entrusted to the child in the sacrament of baptism symbolizes the free gift of Christ given by God to the newly baptized. In our presence, as a result people would experience Jesus the light of the world - joy, life and truth! With this understanding let us now prayerfully take part in the ceremony of ‘lighted candle’ and pray for the baptized that he/she may live in accordance to this rich gift – a responsibility that is no less difficult in this world.

Bibliography

“What is the history of the use of candles in the catholic Church?” 27 Sept. 2012 <http://www.catholicenquiry.com/church-practices/what-is-the-history-of-the-use-of-candles-in-the-church.html>

“Why do Christians burn candles in Church?” 27 Sept. 2012 <http://www.churchhistory101.com/feedback/candles-church.php>

Horvat, Marian Therese. “Votive Candles, Fire and the Love of God.” <http://www.traditioninaction.org/religious/f004rp.htm>

Saunders, William. "The History of Votive Candles" Arlington Catholic Herald. <http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re0434.html>

Thurston, Herbert. "Candles." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 3. New York: Robert Appleton Company,1908. 27 Sept. 2012 <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03246a.htm>.