The Paschal Candle holds a revered place in the Church’s liturgy, with origins that reach back to the 4th century. Early Christians began their Easter vigil in darkness, kindling a single candle to symbolize the Resurrection. This flame stood not just for light, but for Christ—triumphant over death.
Over the centuries, the practice evolved. A large, ornately adorned candle became standard in the Roman Rite. However, its function remains unchanged: to announce the victory of the Light of Christ over the darkness of the tomb.
👉 Learn more about the history of the Paschal Candle
The candle takes center stage at the Easter Vigil, the Church’s most solemn liturgy. The celebration begins outside, where the priest blesses a new fire. From this flame, the Paschal Candle is lit, signifying Christ as the Light of the World.
The deacon or priest carries the candle into the dark church, chanting Lumen Christi (“The Light of Christ”). The congregation replies, Deo gratias (“Thanks be to God”), and one by one, the faithful light their own candles from its flame. Gradually, the church glows with light, symbolizing the Resurrection breaking through sin and death.
More than a liturgical object, the Paschal Candle is filled with rich catechetical meaning. Its surface often features:
A Cross, symbolizing Christ’s sacrifice.
The letters Alpha (Α) and Omega (Ω), declaring Christ as the beginning and the end.
The current year, acknowledging Christ’s lordship over all time.
Five grains of incense, arranged in a cross to represent Christ’s five wounds.
Each element serves to teach, not merely decorate. These visible signs invite reflection on the Paschal Mystery and serve as silent catechists in the life of the Church.
👉 Discover the symbols and meaning of the Paschal Candle
Although first lit at Easter, the candle remains a visible presence throughout the liturgical calendar. During the Easter season, it stands near the altar, shining at every Mass until Pentecost.
Its role continues beyond Easter as well:
At Baptisms, the candle stands beside the font. A baptismal candle is lit from it and given to the newly baptized as a sign of receiving the light of Christ.
During Funerals, it is placed near the casket, affirming the promise of eternal life through the Resurrection.
Thus, the Paschal Candle accompanies the faithful from rebirth into the Church to the final farewell of Christian burial.
This sacred candle is not a relic of the past. Rather, it remains a living symbol of the Church’s faith in the Risen Christ. It echoes the early Christians who celebrated the Resurrection in homes, catacombs, and candle-lit vigils.
Furthermore, the candle proclaims visually what the Church professes in word and sacrament: Christ is the light that no darkness can overcome. Through generations and across continents, this tradition connects the Church past and present in shared hope.
The Paschal Candle stands as more than wax and wick—it is a bold profession of faith. From Easter night to life’s final moments, this light accompanies the Christian journey. It illuminates the path of grace from birth into the Church to the threshold of eternal life.
In every season and at every stage, the flame declares one unchanging truth:
Christ has risen. He is the Light of the World.
