Candles may have started out as man’s source of light come nightfall, but in addition to being regarded as a decorating accent and mood-setter in today’s world, candles have also become an integral part of various cultures and religions the world over, so much so in fact that candle shipments increase substantially during the third quarter of the year, since candles play a large role in end-of-the-year celebrations such as Christmas, Hanukah and Kwanzaa.
From Buddhism to Christianity to Humanism to Unitarian Universalism, the common element that many religions have is that candles generally represent enlightenment.
Among Sikhs, the diya, a special candle which originally held oil or ghee and was lit by a cotton wick, but which has since evolved into a form where waxes have replaced the oils, is used on Diwali, the Festival of Light. The diya is also used by Hindus, who use them in many social rites as a symbol of enlightenment and prosperity. Hindus also light candles daily at the altar of the Lord.
In Buddhism, candles symbolizing the light of Buddha’s teachings are placed before Buddhist shrines or images of the Buddha to show respect. These are typically accompanied by offerings of food and drink.
An example of a Buddhist festival that makes extensive use of candles is the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival in Thailand. Giant candles are carved a couple of days before the procession and paraded through the town on floats, accompanied by dancers or musicians in traditional dress, each representing a local temple, district or institution. Elaborate versions depict scenes of Hindu and Buddhist mythology, sculpted in wood or plaster and coated with wax.
In Christianity, church candles are burned in churches and cathedrals as a sign of remembrance, and to represent the light of Christ. They are used as part of practically every ritual, whether carried in processions, lit in accompaniment to a prayer or as part of a rite.
In Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox and Catholic religions, candles are lit by worshippers in front of icons in what is referred to as “offering a candle”, symbolizing the worshipper offering himself or herself to God. Paschal candles, which represent the Resurrected Christ, are lit only at Easter, funerals and baptisms.
Among the Eastern Orthodox, there are certain times such as Good Friday, funerals, memorial services and during the reading of the Matins Gospels where entire congregations stand holding lit taper candles. During Bright Week (Easter Week), the priest holds a special Paschal trikirion (triple candlestick) and the deacon holds a large candle during all of the services at which they serve.
The type of wax used to make the candle also is of significance in several religions. In the Roman Catholic Church, a liturgical candle must be made of at least 51% beeswax. In the Orthodox Church, the tapers offered should be 100% beeswax.
In honor of Saint Lucia of Syracuse, a Christian martyr venerated by Orthodox and Catholic Christians alike, St. Lucia’s Day is celebrated on December 13 in many Scandinavian countries with the crowning of a young girl with a wreath of candles. The candles symbolize the fire that refused to take St. Lucia's life when she was sentenced to be burned.
Christians also use Advent candles to mark the days leading to Christmas
In Judaism, a yahrtzeit candle is lit on the Hebrew anniversary of a loved one's death, and burns for 24 hours. A pair of candles are lit on Friday evening prior to the start of the weekly Sabbath. On Saturday night, a special candle with several wicks is lit for the Havdalah ritual which marks the end of the Sabbath and the beginning of the new week.
Hanuka, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by lighting a special candelabrum called a Hanukkah, to commemorate the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Candles are also lit prior to the onset of the Three Festivals (Sukkoth, Passover and Shavuot) and the eve of Yom Kippur. A candle is also used on the night before Passover, in a symbolic search for chalets, or leavened bread.
A memorial candle is also lit on Yom HaShoah, a day of remembrance for all those who perished in the Holocaust.
Candles also play an important role in the African American holiday of Kwanzaa, which runs from December 26 to January 1. A kinara, holding seven candles (three red candles representing African American struggles, one black candle to represent the African American people, and three green candles to represent African American hopes) is used to hold candles in these celebrations.
In Wicca and other related forms of Neopaganism, candles typically represent not just the presence of God but the four classical elements of fire, earth, air and water. Candles typically mark the opening and closing of most Wiccan rituals, and play an important role in magical and medical purposes as well.
Through the centuries, candles have enhanced rituals and customs in cultures and religions all over the world, and people will continue to find more meaningful ways of incorporating candles into the spiritual aspect of their daily lives.
