What is the Paschal Candle?
The Paschal Candle holds a central place in the Anglican tradition, particularly during the season of Eastertide. This large, decorated candle, lit during the Easter Vigil and burning brightly throughout the fifty days of Easter, encapsulates the mystery and triumph of Christ’s resurrection.
The tradition of the Paschal Candle traces back to the early centuries of Christianity, emerging from Jewish practices of lighting lamps to signify sacred time, such as during Passover. By the fourth century, the church began using a large candle during the Easter Vigil to symbolize Christ as the "Light of the World" (John 8:12). This practice was formalized in Western Christianity, particularly in the Roman and later Anglican traditions, where the candle became a hallmark of the Easter liturgy.
The Paschal Candle is rich with meaning, each element of its preparation and use pointing to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The candle is typically made of beeswax, symbolizing purity and the labor of creation, which offers itself to honor God. Its size—often towering over other candles—underscores the magnitude of Christ’s victory over death.
Eastertide, the fifty-day period from Easter Sunday to Pentecost, is a season of joy and celebration. The Paschal Candle plays a pivotal role during this time, serving as a constant visual reminder of the resurrection. It is lit during all services throughout Eastertide, placed prominently near the altar or in the sanctuary, where its flame signifies the abiding presence of the risen Christ among the gathered community.
- Resurrection and New Life: The Paschal Candle’s flame represents Christ’s victory over death. Each time it is lit, it calls worshippers to reflect on the transformative power of the resurrection, which renews creation and offers the promise of eternal life. As Anglicans celebrate the Great Fifty Days, the candle invites them to live in the light of this hope.
- Baptism and Initiation: Eastertide has long been a season for baptisms and the renewal of baptismal vows. In Anglican liturgy, the Paschal Candle is often placed near the baptismal font during these rites, symbolizing the new life in Christ that baptism signifies. The candle’s light reflects the words of Romans 6:4, "We were buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead, we too might walk in newness of life."
- Christ’s Presence in Worship: The Paschal Candle’s prominence during Eastertide services—whether Eucharist, Morning Prayer, or Evensong—reinforces the belief that Christ is present in the gathered community. Its flame, burning steadily, mirrors the Anglican emphasis on the real presence of Christ in word, sacrament, and fellowship.
- Anticipation of Pentecost: As Eastertide progresses toward Pentecost, the Paschal Candle bridges the resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit. Its light foreshadows the tongues of fire that will descend on the apostles, empowering them to spread the gospel. In some Anglican parishes, the candle is extinguished after the reading of the Pentecost gospel, symbolizing the Spirit’s dispersal into the world, though practices vary.
The Paschal Candle’s use during Eastertide is not merely decorative but theological, shaping the spiritual experience of Anglicans in several ways:
- A Focal Point for Worship: The candle’s prominence draws the congregation’s attention to the resurrection, its light invites worshippers to enter into the mystery of Christ’s risen life, fostering a sense of awe and gratitude.
- A Connection to Tradition: By using the Paschal Candle, Anglicans participate in a practice shared across centuries and denominations. This continuity strengthens the sense of belonging to the universal church, even as Anglicanism brings its own interpretive lens to the tradition.
- A Call to Mission: The candle’s light is not meant to remain within the church but to inspire Anglicans to carry the light of Christ into the world. Eastertide, with its emphasis on renewal and witness, challenges believers to live out the resurrection in acts of love, justice, and proclamation.
- A Symbol of Unity: In a tradition as diverse as Anglicanism, the Paschal Candle serves as a unifying symbol. Whether in a high-church cathedral or a low-church parish, the candle’s presence during Eastertide speaks a common language of resurrection hope.
While the Paschal Candle is a standard feature of Anglican worship, its use varies across parishes and provinces. In some churches, the candle is lit only during major services, while in others, it burns continuously throughout Eastertide. The design of the candle also differs, with some parishes opting for ornate decorations and others favoring simplicity. These variations reflect the Anglican principle of liturgical flexibility, allowing local communities to adapt the tradition to their context while preserving its core meaning.
The Paschal Candle is far more than a liturgical ornament; it is a radiant symbol of Christ’s resurrection, illuminating the joy and hope of Eastertide. From its dramatic lighting during the Easter Vigil to its steady presence throughout the Great Fifty Days, the candle invites Anglicans to dwell in the light of the risen Christ. It connects worshippers to the ancient roots of their faith, unites them in a shared celebration, and inspires them to carry the gospel into the world. As the flame flickers in sanctuaries across the Anglican Communion, it proclaims the enduring truth of Easter: "Christ is risen, and the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1:5).